The Canadian Federal Plastics Registry: What Global Manufacturers Need to Know

Summary

The Canadian Federal Plastics Registry (FPR) introduces mandatory reporting for plastic materials across Canada’s supply chain. This blog explains what global plastics manufacturers and resin importers need to know, including who must report, how the registry affects non-resident companies and how to adapt business strategies to stay compliant and competitive in a circular economy.

Canada has introduced one of the most comprehensive plastic reporting programs in the world: the Canadian Federal Plastics Registry (FPR). The program, managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), aims to track plastics from production through end-of-life to create a national picture of how plastics move through the Canadian economy.

Manufacturers of plastic products and importers of plastic resin shouldn’t discount the FPR as just another compliance requirement. Its launch is the next step in a broader shift toward data-driven accountability in the plastics value chain.

Why the Canadian Federal Plastics Registry Matters

The FPR is designed to support Canada’s zero plastic waste initiative, providing detailed insights into what plastics enter, circulate and exit the market. The program’s immediate purpose is to measure and manage plastic flows. However, it’s long-term intent is to accelerate the transition toward circularity — where materials are reused or recycled instead of discarded.

With the launch of its FPR, Canada effectively sets a new standard for traceability in the plastics industry. If your products are made, used or sold in Canada, the first Canadian-resident company that touches your product will need accurate data about resin types, sources and quantities used for reporting. Having that data on-hand will certainly make compliance easier for Canadian-resident companies but providing it could also become a competitive differentiator when companies based outside of Canada form new business partnerships to sell on the Canadian market.

What Canadian Companies Must Report

Canadian resident companies (resin manufacturers and importers, brand owners, retailers) are directly responsible for reporting under the FPR. Small entities handling under 1,000 kilograms of plastic annually may be exempt, but most medium and large companies will fall within the FPR’s scope. The first company that touches the plastic product on Canadian soil must disclose information including:

• Plastic Type and Quantity. All plastics used, manufactured or sold on the Canadian market must be categorized by resin and product type.
• Resin Source. The original resin created, imported or used must be labeled as either virgin, post-industrial recycled or post-consumer recycled.
• End-of-Life Management. Information must be provided about the reuse, recycling and disposal potential of the plastics used.

Reporting requirements are organized into three phases:

• Phase 1 (Sept. 2025): Companies that manufacture, import or sell plastic packaging and single-use or disposable plastic products must report quantities and resin types of plastic placed on the market in 2024.
• Phase 2 (2026): Reporting requirements added for plastic resin manufacturers and importers. Reporting data includes waste generation, collection and recycling for packaging and single-use products on the market in 2025 including information about diversion and disposal outcomes for managed plastics.
• Phase 3 (2027): Reporting requirements include plastic product categories such as construction materials, agricultural and horticultural plastics, electrical and electronic equipment, transportation and textiles and end-of-life data for products on the market in 2026.

Non-compliance carries penalties under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) including fines for false or missing reports. Beyond legal risk, failure to report accurately could impact business relationships and public perception.

Implications for Non-Resident Companies

Even plastics businesses not based in Canada will be affected by the FPR if they serve Canadian customers. In the case of a company that exports its plastics products from the U.S. into Canada, the Canadian customer importing the product will be required to report. That customer will depend on the U.S.-based company for the data that underpins their submissions to the FPR.

Canadian importers and brand owners will expect detailed documentation on the resin composition and source of the materials or products supplied. Incomplete data could delay their filings and jeopardize their compliance, also potentially compromising existing relationships.

The FPR requires cooperation and transparency from global manufacturers that serve the Canadian market. Companies that can deliver FPR-ready data will stand out as reliable partners in a regulatory environment increasingly built on traceability. Companies that cannot may see their Canadian business decrease.

Strategic Shifts for Plastics Companies Serving the Canadian Market

For Canadian plastic producers and retailers serving the Canadian market, the FPR is a clear signal to evolve business practices.

Start by embedding data collection and traceability into your operations. Ensure you can track the resin type, source and weight for all materials supplied into Canada. Work closely with your upstream suppliers to secure similar data and establish a consistent calculation methodology for reporting.

Then review your product and packaging design for opportunities to simplify resin mixes, increase recycled content or design for reuse. These actions will ease the FPR reporting burden and may also enhance your brand’s reputation for sustainability.

Finally, engage proactively with your Canadian partners. Discuss data sharing expectations, timelines and responsibilities in advance. Early collaboration will prevent last-minute compliance challenges and reinforce your reputation as a strategic, forward-looking partner.

Positioning Your Business for Traceability

The Canadian Federal Plastics Registry is a catalyst for the plastics industry to take a lead on sustainability initiatives by improving data tracking and transparency. By adapting early, your business can stay ahead of both legislation and market expectations.

M. Holland offers regulatory expertise and ongoing support to customers. Contact your account manager with questions for our regulatory team or visit the Sustainability market page for more information on how M. Holland can help progress your sustainable manufacturing initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Canadian Federal Plastics Registry (FPR)?

The FPR is a national reporting program established by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to track plastics from production to end-of-life. Its goal is to improve data on how plastics are made, used, reused and disposed of in Canada.

2. Who is required to report under the FPR?

Canadian-resident companies, including resin manufacturers, importers, brand owner, and retailers, must report plastics they place on the Canadian market. Small companies handling less than 1,000 kilograms annually may be exempt.

3. What information must be reported?

Companies must disclose data about:

• Plastic Type and Quantity: The amount of plastic by resin type (e.g., PET, HDPE, PVC, PP, PS, etc.) and product category (e.g., packaging, construction materials, textiles, vehicles).
• Resin Source: The proportion of resin that is virgin, post-industrial recycled (PIR) or post-consumer recycled (PCR).
• End-of-Life Management: Quantities of plastic that are reused, repaired, remanufactured, mechanically or chemically recycled, incinerated, or landfilled.
• Calculation Methodology: A description of how data was derived, estimated, or verified to ensure transparency and accuracy.

4. When do reporting requirements begin?

Reporting under the FPR is rolling out in three key phases:

• Phase 1: Reporting requirements for companies that manufacture, import or sell plastic packaging and single-use or disposable plastic products began in September 2025. Reporting data is focused on the quantities and resin types of plastic placed on the market in 2024.
• Phase 2: Beginning in 2026, reporting requirements will expand to include plastic resin manufacturers and importers. Reporting data is focused on waste generation, collection and recycling for packaging and single-use products on the market in 2025. Phase 2 also begins incorporating more detailed information about diversion and disposal outcomes for managed plastics.
• Phase 3: Beginning in 2027, reporting requirements will expand to include plastic product categories such as construction materials, agricultural and horticultural plastics, electrical and electronic equipment, transportation and textiles on the market in 2026. Phase 3 also extends reporting to include end-of-life management data.

The ECCC has indicated the reporting framework may continue to evolve after 2027 as data quality improves and new product categories or waste streams are identified.