On July 27, 2024 the Canadian government launched a data collection effort on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) substances and products containing that class of chemicals PFAS substances are found in many industrial and consumer products, including textiles/apparel.
In apparel products, these substances are found in water-repellent and stain-repellent finishes, among other uses. Historically, the largest user of the substances has been outerwear with durable water-repellent finishes. However, as the background document from AFIRM (below) demonstrates: PFAS are found in many substances and are used in a variety of manufacturing settings.
The announcement from the federal government is referenced here:
Recently, the Canadian government also released an updated draft of its State of PFAS report, which underpins the regulatory data collection effort.
Please note that these reporting requirements apply to all manufacturers and importers whose products contain those substances. It covers the year 2023, and the report to Environment and Climate Change Canada is due January 29, 2025.
We will provide additional background and discuss with members how best to assist companies in complying with this information requirement. In the interim companies may wish to consult the following background:
Regulation of ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS) in Canada. - Osler. (N.B. the article was published before the reporting requirement was made mandatory).
Also highly recommended is the document published by the US chemical management organization, AFIRM, referenced below.AFIRM_Phaseout_PFAS_2023_0831.pdf
Companies with questions or comments re. this requirement can contact Bob Kirke, CAF Executive Director at bkirke@apparel.ca