Last Updated on July 20, 2021 by Ithos Global Regulatory Team
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has posted a “Renewal of the Federal Agenda on the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Consumer and Commercial Products for the 2021 to 2028 Period” discussion paper.
The stated goal for consumer products and all other categories is to align as much as possible with other North American VOC Regulations. In particular, the stated goal is aligning with CARB 2010 Consumer Products VOC Regulations.
However there are still a few inconsistencies, as pointed out by trade group comments to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Key issues asked to be considered include:
- Definition of disinfectants:
- It is believed the word “solely” in the EEEC definition potentially would rule out combination products. The comments ask for “solely” to be removed.
- Definition of hair finishing spray and hair styling products
- The California definition has more clarity and gives examples of what does not meet the definitions. California uses examples to illustrate what is not part of a category, while Canada does not.
- Inclusion of the date of manufacture flexibilities discussed verbally in the rules
- Elimination of the need to track imported products, which is not required for domestic products
- Removal of requirement data must be stored in Canada due easy transportability of electronic data
No new initiatives affecting the personal care sector were planned through 2028. Controls concerning adhesives and printing processes could have some effects on products, particularly in the packaging arena.
