Canada Approves Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Regulation SOR/2021-268

On February 4, 2022, Environment Canada approved the Regulation SOR/2021-268 on Limiting the Concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds in Certain Products
.

1.
Scope of application

The regulation applies to products in Schedules 1 and 2 containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including: personal care products, maintenance products, adhesives, adhesive removers, sealants and caulks, and miscellaneous products
.

However, the regulations do not apply to the following products:

- designed only for manufacturing or processing activities;

- only for laboratory analysis, scientific research or as a standard for laboratory analysis;

- regulated by the Pest Control Products Regulations;

- manufactured or imported solely for export;

- adhesives sold in containers of 30 ml or less;

——Regulated by the "Regulations on VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings" or "Regulations on VOC Concentration Limits for Automotive Refinish Products";

- used in or on a new car at the time of its manufacture;

- Transit in Canada, from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada
.

2.
Prohibited

Products in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 may not be manufactured or imported if the maximum VOC concentration is exceeded, but there are some exemptions
.

3.
Labels

Containers of products in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 shall be marked with the date of manufacture
.

The VOC concentration of products in Schedule 1 is ≤ 0.
1% and the volume of personal fragrance products is ≤ 2 ml, exempt from labeling requirements
.

4.
Instructions for use

If the product is manufactured or imported under license, the product shall have instructions for use, and the instructions shall be in both official languages
.

5.
Effective Date

The ban on all product categories will be in place from 1 January 2024, but the ban on disinfectants will be in place from 1 January 2025
.
The regulations also mention other requirements such as VOC concentration testing methods, VOC compliance unit transaction systems, permit applications and record keeping
.