Why the Federal Plastics Registry Is Critical for Your Business
- Supports Canada's Zero Plastic Waste agenda
- Reduces plastic pollution nationwide
- Provides clear, consistent data
- Helps businesses make informed sustainability decisions
- Demonstrates environmental leadership
The FPR is a national system tracking plastics from production to end-of-life. Starting in 2025, non-compliance can result in federal fines.
Does Your Business Need to Report?
You must report if you place more than 1,000 kg of the following into the residential market annually:
- Plastic packaging
- Single-use/disposable products
- Electronics containing plastic (EEE)
Small businesses below this threshold are exempt.
Phase 1
(Reporting 2024 data, due Sept 29, 2025)
This phase applies only to plastics destined for the residential waste stream. Operators that generate plastic waste in industrial, commercial, or institutional (ICI) facilities may have obligations in later phases.
What Information You Must Report
Quantities
Total kilograms of plastic packaging or products that you manufactured, imported, or placed on the Canadian market (residential stream)
End-of-Life Fate
- Amounts collected for diversion
- Recycled, reused, or refurbished quantities
- Incinerated or landfilled volumes
Product Categories
Category and subcategory of your product or packaging (rigid, flexible, filled/unfilled, etc.)
Resin Types & Sources
- Virgin fossil-based plastics
- Bio-based plastics
- Post-consumer recycled content
- Post-industrial recycled content
Calculation Methods
The method(s) you used to determine quantities, such as:
- Specific component identification
- Average bill of materials (ABOM)
- Fixed factor approach
Documentation & Rationale
- Supporting assumptions used in your calculations
- Rationale for your methodology choices
- Any challenges or uncertainties encountered during data collection
Important Notes on Units & Rounding
Units: All data must be reported in kilograms. If you collected data in other units (pounds, tonnes, etc.), you must convert to kg before submission.
Rounding: You may round to whole numbers – there’s no need for overly granular decimals.
How Eco-Depot Can Help
Don't let FPR compliance slow down your business. When you partner with Eco-Depot, you gain access to deep expertise in waste management, plastics recovery, and regulatory compliance that makes your FPR reporting simple and stress-free. Here's how you'll benefit:
Data Audit & Gap Assessment
You'll receive a comprehensive review of your plastic usage, procurement, and waste streams—pinpointing data gaps and improvement opportunities before deadlines arrive.
Supply chain coordination
You'll have dedicated support coordinating with upstream suppliers, including foreign ones, to collect accurate composition and resin data without the hassle.
Calculation & methodology selection
Get expert guidance selecting the right calculation method - component-based, ABOM, or fixed factor - balancing precision with practicality for efficient reporting.
Report preparation & review
Experienced professionals will draft or thoroughly review your FPR report before submission, ensuring accuracy and reducing your risk of compliance issues
Ongoing compliance & monitoring
You'll receive continued support for annual updates, corrections, and confidentiality claims—keeping you compliant as regulations evolve year after year.
Training / capacity building
Your team receives hands-on training to track, maintain, and justify FPR data, building internal capability for smoother compliance over time.
Ready to Stay Compliant?
Don't let FPR requirements overwhelm your business. Our expert team makes compliance straightforward and stress-free.
Initial Consultation
- Assess your requirements
- Identify reporting obligations
Data Collection
- Gather plastic volumes by resin type
- Trace supplier composition data
- Compile end-of-life information
Report Preparation
- Calculate quantities using approved methods
- Draft submission documentation
- Review for accuracy
Submission & Maintenance
- Submit to regulatory platform
- Monitor for updates
- Annual renewal support
Deadlines, Penalties & Confidentiality
Annual Submission Date: Reports must be submitted by September 29 of the year following the reporting year.
Example: Your 2024 data is due by September 29, 2025
Penalties & Enforcement
Legal Requirement: FPR reporting is mandatory under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)
Violations that trigger penalties:
- Failing to report
- Missing the September 29 deadline
- Submitting false or misleading information
Potential Consequences:
Penalties fall under section 272 of CEPA and can be substantial:
- For corporations: Up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on severity and whether violations recur
- For individuals: Directors and officers may be held personally liable in certain cases
Confidential Business Information (CBI)
Protection Options: You may request that portions of your submission be treated as confidential business information
Requirements:
- You must provide a rationale explaining why the information qualifies as confidential
- Claims are reviewed under CEPA sections 51–53
Important Note: While FPR data will be made publicly available (in aggregate or other formats), approved confidentiality claims can limit exposure of your sensitive business details.
Bottom Line: Understanding these deadlines and requirements protects your business from penalties while safeguarding proprietary information where appropriate.