Canada PFAS Reporting Deadline Fast Approaching

By: Joe Corbisiero on January 22nd, 2025

The deadline to comply with Canada’s PFAS reporting mandate (“PFAS Notice”) is almost here, and time is running out to request an extension. The PFAS Notice imposes a one-time reporting obligation on manufacturers and importers of certain PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’.

Filings are due on January 29th, 2025, but businesses that will be unable to meet this deadline can request an extension under the PFAS Notice. This can allow additional time to compile the data they need, or work with a third party, like SiliconExpert, to gather this data, to help them assess and meet their reporting obligations.

Requesting an Extension for Canada PFAS Reporting

The guidance manual published alongside the PFAS Notice provides detail on how to assess and meet the regulatory obligations. Determining whether a business’s operations are in scope requires looking at whether the entity is engaged in manufacturing or importing products containing any of the designated PFAS, and if so, the quantity of these chemicals. For businesses in scope, meeting their reporting obligations under the PFAS Notice also requires detail on the presence and quantity of PFAS in products.

For businesses seeking an extension to allow more time to compile this data, requests may be submitted up to the January 29th deadline, however, it is recommended that the request be submitted at least in advance, which falls on January 22nd.

Detail on how to request an extension, including what information to include with the request and proper labeling of requests, is available in the “Reporting deadline & exception” section of the guidance manual.

Impact of Canada PFAS Mandate on Electronic Components

While Canada has already listed PFAS subsets PFOA and PFOS as toxic substances, the PFAS Notice adds 312 PFAS substances to the reporting mandate creates an additional challenge for electronics importers and manufacturers.

Manufacturers use PFAS across a broad range of applications in the electronics industry due to their unique chemical properties.

Over 39,000 electronic components in the SiliconExpert database, across 250 categories, contain one or more PFAS. Canada’s largest trade partner, is responsible for 74% of all PFAS imports into the region. Given the prevalence of PFAS in electronic components, companies should review their products’ chemical makeup to assess their obligations under the PFAS Notice. Even companies that are not required to report should expect that their customers may reach out for more chemical information about the components they provide in Canada.

Submitting Your Canada PFAS Report

Companies that are required to comply with the PFAS Notice must utilize the standardized PFAS Excel Reporting File (ERF) for their submission.

When filling out the ERF, companies can expect to provide detail regarding the relevant products containing PFAS, the volume of PFAS used or imported, and manufacturing facility information. The ERF and instructions for completion are available at the Canadian government’s landing page for Responding to the PFAS Notice.

Fulfill Your PFAS Reporting Mandate with SiliconExpert

SiliconExpert Compliance Manager customers can generate reports identifying their affected parts under the PFAS Notice, along with links to Material Declarations and other supporting documents regarding chemical composition.

As the January 2025 reporting deadline approaches, SiliconExpert can help you meet this mandate. Our professional services team can examine your part list for the 312 PFAS substances and provide the necessary compliance data.

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Request Your Canada PFAS Custom Report

If you’d like to move forward with SiliconExpert creating a custom report for your part list, fill our this form.