New rules on the importation, sale and use of asbestos in Canada are set to come into effect December 30, 2018,  bringing with them sweeping prohibitions on asbestos.

While there is no longer widespread use of asbestos in brake friction, coming regulations would stop the sale of any asbestos containing products and require the disposal of any products in inventory.

The Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations (the Regulations)and the related amendments to the Export of Substances on the Export Control List Regulations(ESECLR Amendments) were published in Canada Gazette, Part II, on October 17, 2018. The Regulations and ESECLR Amendments will come into force on December 30, 2018.

The Regulations prohibit the import, sale and use of asbestos, as well as the manufacture, import, sale and use of products containing asbestos, with a limited number of exclusions.

Webinars on the new Regulations

Environment and Climate Change Canada will be holding two webinars on the new rules, one in English on November 27, 2018 and one in French on November 28, 2018, to present the Regulations and related Amendments. To register, complete and return the registration form by November 20: Registration Form; Formulaire d’inscription

The ESECLR Amendments add new provisions to prohibit the export of asbestos, whether or not it is contained in a product, with specific exceptions in line with those in place under the Regulations. These provisions ensure that Canada continues to meet its export obligations under international conventions including the Rotterdam Convention.  An Order amending the Export Control List lists all forms of asbestos, making them subject to the amended ESECLR. The current version of the ESECLR is available at: https://canada.ca/export-controlled-substance.

As the Regulations are more stringent than existing controls, the Asbestos Products Regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act will be repealed once the Regulations are in force.

Questions? Contact:

Chemicals Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St-Joseph Blvd., 10th floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Email: ec.amiante-asbestos.ec@canada.ca

For further information regarding asbestos, please visit Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Web site at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/management-toxic-substances/list-canadian-environmental-protection-act/asbestos.html.