Introduction

The Canadian government is taking a major step toward its Zero Plastic Waste agenda with the launch of the Federal Plastics Registry (FPR). Phase 1 reporting, due September 29, 2025, will require thousands of producers, importers, and manufacturers to submit detailed data about plastics placed on the Canadian market.

If your business deals in plastic packaging, electronic and electrical equipment (EEE), or single-use/disposable products destined for the residential waste stream, this affects you.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What the Federal Plastics Registry is
• Who needs to report in Phase 1
• The reporting requirements and deadlines
• Penalties for non-compliance
• How ComplyMarket can help you meet your obligations efficiently and accurately

What is the Federal Plastics Registry?

The Federal Plastics Registry is a national reporting platform under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) designed to track the production, import, and sale of plastics in Canada. Data collected will:

• Support actions to prevent plastic pollution
• Keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment
• Provide standardized national reporting, complementing but not replacing provincial Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs

Phase 1: Who Must Report?

You must report to the FPR in Phase 1 if, in the 2024 calendar year, you:

• Manufactured, imported, or placed on the Canadian market more than 1,000 kg of the following destined for the residential waste stream:
• Plastic packaging (filled or unfilled, rigid or flexible)
• Electronic and Electrical Equipment (EEE)
• Single-use or disposable plastic products

Exemptions apply if your total combined quantity of plastics in these categories is under 1,000 kg per year, nationally.

What Needs to Be Reported?

For each relevant product category, you’ll need to report:

• Resin type (e.g., PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, ABS, Nylon, etc.)
• Resin source (virgin fossil-based, post-consumer recycled, post-industrial recycled, bio-based)
• Quantities (in kilograms) for:
• Plastics manufactured in Canada
• Plastics imported into Canada
• Plastics placed on the Canadian market
• Waste stream classification (residential)
• Calculation method used (e.g., specific component identification, average bill of materials, fixed factor calculation)

Key Dates & Deadlines

• Data Year: 2024
• Reporting Deadline: September 29, 2025
• Record Retention: Keep all data and calculation records for three years after the reporting deadline

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to submit accurate, on-time reports can lead to significant fines under CEPA:

• Up to $25,000 for individuals (summary conviction)
• Up to $500,000 for large corporations (indictment)
• Double fines for repeat offences

How ComplyMarket Makes FPR Compliance Easy

ComplyMarket is your partner in meeting the Federal Plastics Registry requirements without the stress.

Here’s how we help:

1. Automated Data Gathering: Pulls in product and packaging data from your existing ERP or inventory systems.
2. Accurate Resin Classification: Built-in reference tools to match your products with the correct resin type and source.
3. Calculation Method Support: Step-by-step assistance for all approved FPR calculation methods.
4. Error-Checking & Validation: Flags missing data, duplicate entries, and potential misclassifications before submission.
5. Direct Report Generation: Formats your data to align with the FPR’s online submission requirements.
6. Audit-Ready Recordkeeping: Securely stores all your data for the required three-year retention period.

With ComplyMarket, you can reduce compliance costs, eliminate guesswork, and ensure accuracy — all while focusing on your core business.

Act Now to Avoid the Last-Minute Rush

The FPR deadline may feel far away, but gathering the necessary data — especially from suppliers — can take months. Starting now will give you time to:

• Identify your reporting obligations
• Collect accurate data from across your supply chain
• Ensure your calculation methods meet the FPR standard

Don’t wait. The sooner you start, the smoother your reporting will be.

Call to Action

📞 Contact ComplyMarket today for a free readiness assessment and see how we can make your FPR Phase 1 compliance stress-free.
🔗 With our AI Advanced Technologies and huge data about suppliers and products worldwide, we can determine plastic content in your products in few minutes.