Hazardous Waste Export Ban Expanded

Summary#

These are final amendments (registered August 7, 2026, published August 26, 2026) to the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations. They add a ban on exporting hazardous waste and most hazardous recyclable material to countries not listed in Annex VII of the Basel Convention and clarify permit and waste-definition rules. One planned change on controlling all e‑waste was dropped.

What it does#

• Prohibits export of hazardous waste and most hazardous recyclable material to countries not listed in Annex VII of the Basel Convention.
• Requires anyone who plans to export a shipment containing hazardous waste or hazardous recyclable material to hold an export permit before the shipment is moved.
• Clarifies the definition of “hazardous waste” so officials and companies have clearer criteria for deciding when material counts as waste.
• Allows interim operations (e.g., temporary handling or processing) before a final disposal or final recycling operation, if the authorized facility is approved to do that interim step.
• Adds certain regulatory provisions to be enforceable under the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Act and the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (so violations of the new export prohibitions and permit rules can attract administrative penalties).
• Timing: the amendments come into force on registration, except the export prohibition tied to the Ban Amendment becomes effective 90 days after Canada ratifies that amendment (or on registration if ratification has already occurred).

Who's affected#

• Exporters and importers of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material.
• Waste management and recycling companies that move, handle or receive international shipments.
• Transport and logistics companies that move regulated shipments across borders.
• Permit applicants and current permit holders under the Regulations.
• Small businesses that ship regulated waste or recyclable material internationally.
• Indigenous peoples and organizations: the government says the Amendments are not expected to have direct impacts on Indigenous peoples.
• Note: the government consulted industry, environmental groups and Indigenous organizations while making these changes.

Why it matters#

• These changes let Canada align with the Basel Convention’s so‑called Ban Amendment, making it possible for Canada to ratify that amendment and stop exports of hazardous wastes to many developing countries.
• In practical terms, exporters will need a permit before moving regulated shipments, and some international markets for hazardous wastes and recyclable materials will close to Canadian exporters once the prohibition is in force.
• The rules aim to reduce the risk that hazardous materials are sent to places that cannot manage them safely, lowering environmental and health risks overseas.
• The government says only about 4% of recent shipments of regulated waste went to the countries targeted by the ban, so the overall number of affected shipments is expected to be small.
• Enforcement is strengthened by making certain breaches eligible for administrative monetary penalties, which could change how companies manage compliance.