Toxic Substances Regulations Updated in Canada
BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 04, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 012.26, highlighting Canada’s publication of the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations 2025, SOR/2025-270, which will officially replace the 2012 framework on June 30, 2026.
Published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on December 31, 2025, SOR/2025-270 marks a significant expansion of environmental protection, repealing and replacing the earlier version with stronger controls on persistent and bioaccumulative toxic substances.
The manufacture, sale and import of high-risk chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other high-concern chemicals, are now subject to tighter restrictions. Flame retardants Dechlorane Plus (DP) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) have been prohibited.
SOR/2025-270 aligns Canada with international chemical safety standards and is intended to promote the adoption of safer chemical alternatives. A permit system for short-term use of restricted substances is included to support industry transition to safer alternatives and more sustainable practices. Companies must prepare for compliance with the changes by reviewing supply chains, checking revised exemption criteria and preparing permit applications where necessary.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 012.26 includes further information on key updates included in SOR/2025-270.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 012.26 for more details.
IMPACT NOW for sustainability
Through the IMPACT Now for sustainability initiative, SGS offers targeted solutions under four key pillars: climate, circularity, nature and environmental and social governance assurance. Under the nature pillar it offers range of PFAS solutions to help businesses reduce risk, enhance compliance and drive sustainable innovation. Learn more about IMPACT NOW for sustainability.
SGS consumer product services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s consumer product services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Canada Updates Toxic Substances Regulations SafeGuardS.
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For further information, contact:
Dr. Min Zhu
Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations
Softlines, US and Canada
Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230
Website: http://www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About Us
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
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