Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations
These Regulations set VOC concentration limits for certain products, restrict manufacturing and importing above the limits unless an exception or permit applies, and require notices, reports, records, and labeling for covered products.
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- 26 May 2026
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- en
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These Regulations set VOC concentration limits for certain products, restrict manufacturing and importing above the limits unless an exception or permit applies, and require notices, reports, records, and labeling for covered products. This provision lists specific product types and use cases, including several adhesives, sealants, foams, and automotive-related materials, along with some size, thickness, temperature, and composition thresholds.
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Provisions of Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations
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Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations — segment 1
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Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations — segment 1
These Regulations set VOC concentration limits for certain products, restrict manufacturing and importing above the limits unless an exception or permit applies, and require notices, reports, records, and labeling for covered products.
Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations Whereas, pursuant to subsection 332(1)a of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999b, the Minister of the Environment published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on July 6, 2019, a copy of the proposed Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations, substantially in the annexed form, and persons were given an opportunity to file comments with respect to the proposed Regulations or to file a notice of objection requesting that a board of review be established and stating the reasons for the objection; S.C. 2004, c. 15, s. 31 S.C. 1999, c. 33 Whereas, pursuant to subsection 93(3) of that Act, the National Advisory Committee has been given an opportunity to provide its advice under section 6c of that Act; S.C. 2015, c. 3, par. 172(d) And whereas, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, pursuant to subsection 93(4) of that Act, the proposed Regulations do not regulate an aspect of a substance that is regulated by or under any other Act of Parliament in a manner that provides, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, sufficient protection to the environment and human health; Therefore, Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health, pursuant to subsection 93(1) and sections 286.1d and 326 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999b, makes the annexed Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations. S.C. 2009, c. 14, s. 80 Definitions The following definitions apply in these Regulations. adhesive does not include a product for use on humans or animals or any product with an adhesive incorporated onto or in an inert substrate. (adhésif) fragrance means a substance or mixture of chemicals, natural essential oils or other components, that has a combined vapour pressure that is less than or equal to 0.267 kPa when measured at 20°C, the sole purpose of which is to impart a scent or to mask an unpleasant odour. (parfum) high vapour pressure VOC, in respect of an antiperspirant or deodorant for the human axilla, means a VOC that has a vapour pressure of greater than 10.67 kPa when measured at 20°C. (COV à pression de vapeur élevée) low vapour pressure VOC, in respect of a product other than an antiperspirant or deodorant for the human axilla, means a VOC that has a vapour pressure of less than 0.013 kPa when measured at 20°C; has a boiling point that is greater than 216°C; or contains more than 12 carbon atoms per molecule. (COV à faible pression de vapeur) medium vapour pressure VOC, in respect of an antiperspirant or deodorant for the human axilla, means a VOC that has a vapour pressure of greater than 0.267 kPa but less than or equal to 10.67 kPa when measured at 20°C. (COV à pression de vapeur moyenne) reformulated product means a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 and that has been reformulated to reduce its VOC concentration to a level that is less than the maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 for that product category or, if applicable, the subcategory set out in column 2 to which it belongs. (produit à composition modifiée) VOC means a volatile organic compound that participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions and that is not excluded under item 65 of Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (COV) VOC concentration For the purpose of these Regulations, the VOC concentration of a product is measured and expressed as a percentage of the product’s net weight (% w/w). Net quantity For the purposes of these Regulations, the quantity of a product or the quantity of VOCs in a product is the net quantity. Product category or subcategory For the purposes of these Regulations, a product belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 or column 1 of Schedule 2 or, if applicable, a subcategory set out in column 2 of the table to Schedule 1 if, according to information on its container or included in any documentation relating to the product that is supplied by the product’s manufacturer or importer or their authorized representative, the product may be used as a product that belongs to that product category or, if applicable, subcategory. Design For the purposes of these Regulations, any reference to a product that is designed for a particular purpose includes a product that, according to information on its container or included in any documentation relating to the product that is supplied by the product’s manufacturer or importer or their authorized representative, may be used for that purpose. Products These Regulations apply in respect of any product that contains VOCs and belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 or column 1 of Schedule 2. Non-application — certain products These Regulations do not apply in respect of products that are designed to be used solely in a manufacturing or processing activity; to be used solely in a laboratory for analysis, in scientific research or as a laboratory analytical standard; regulated under the Pest Control Products Act; manufactured or imported for export only; adhesives that are to be sold in containers of 30 ml or less; regulated under the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations or the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Automotive Refinishing Products Regulations; used in or on a new car at the time of its manufacture; or in transit through Canada, from a place outside Canada to another place outside Canada. Prohibition Subject to subsection (4), a person must not manufacture or import a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 and, if applicable, a subcategory set out in column 2 that has a VOC concentration that is greater than the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3, unless the product is, according to the instructions set out in both official languages on the product’s container or in any accompanying documentation, to be diluted before use to a level at which the VOC concentration is less than or equal to the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3; or a permit has been issued under section 9, 16 or 19 in respect of the product. Product categories set out in Schedule 2 Subject to subsection (4), a person must not manufacture or import a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of Schedule 2 and has a VOC emission potential that is greater than the applicable maximum VOC emission potential set out in column 2, unless a permit has been issued under section 19 in respect of the product. Non-application of paragraph (1)(a) The exception set out in paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a multi-purpose solvent or paint thinner referred to in items 48 and 52, respectively, of the table to Schedule 1. Start date for prohibitions The prohibitions set out in subsections (1) and (2) apply beginning on in the case of a disinfectant referred to in item 31 of the table to Schedule 1, January 1 of the year following the calendar year of the third anniversary of the day on which these Regulations are registered; or in any other case, January 1 of the year following the calendar year of the second anniversary of the day on which these Regulations are registered. Product belonging to more than one product category Subject to subsection (2), if a product belongs to more than one product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1, the applicable maximum VOC concentration is the lowest of the maximum VOC concentrations set out in column 3 for the product categories to which the product belongs. Exception for certain categories The maximum VOC concentration for a product that belongs to one of the following product categories is the maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 for the applicable product category set out in column 1 or, if applicable, subcategory set out in column 2, regardless of whether the product also belongs to a product category with a lower maximum VOC concentration: antiperspirant for the human axilla referred to in item 2 of the table to Schedule 1; deodorant for the human axilla referred to in item 3 of that table; hair products referred to in item 6 of that table; or general-purpose cleaner referred to in item 42 of that table. Determination of VOC concentration For the purposes of these Regulations and subject to subsections (2) and (3), the VOC concentration of a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 is determined by the formula is the weight in grams of all of the substances contained in the product that volatize when the product is tested to determine its VOC concentration for the purposes of these Regulations; is the weight in grams of all of the substances to be excluded when determining the VOC concentration, namely, any of the following substances contained in the product that volatize when the product is tested to determine its VOC concentration for the purposes of these Regulations: (a)water, ammonia and any other inorganic substances; water, ammonia and any other inorganic substances; (b)compounds that are excluded under item 65 of Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; compounds that are excluded under item 65 of Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; (c)in the case of an antiperspirant or deodorant for the human axilla referred to in items 2 and 3, respectively, of the table to Schedule 1,(i)VOCs that have a vapour pressure of less than or equal to 0.267 kPa when measured at 20°C or, if the vapour pressure is unknown, that contain more than 10 carbon atoms per molecule,(ii)colourants and fragrances that, combined, constitute 2% or less of the product’s net weight, and(iii)ethanol; in the case of an antiperspirant or deodorant for the human axilla referred to in items 2 and 3, respectively, of the table to Schedule 1, (i)VOCs that have a vapour pressure of less than or equal to 0.267 kPa when measured at 20°C or, if the vapour pressure is unknown, that contain more than 10 carbon atoms per molecule, VOCs that have a vapour pressure of less than or equal to 0.267 kPa when measured at 20°C or, if the vapour pressure is unknown, that contain more than 10 carbon atoms per molecule, (ii)colourants and fragrances that, combined, constitute 2% or less of the product’s net weight, and colourants and fragrances that, combined, constitute 2% or less of the product’s net weight, and (iii)ethanol; ethanol; (d)in the case of a personal fragrance product referred to in item 11 of that table,(i)low vapour pressure VOCs, and(ii)fragrances; in the case of a personal fragrance product referred to in item 11 of that table, (i)low vapour pressure VOCs, and low vapour pressure VOCs, and (ii)fragrances; fragrances; (e)in the case of a pressurized gas duster referred to in item 53 of that table, low vapour pressure VOCs; and in the case of a pressurized gas duster referred to in item 53 of that table, low vapour pressure VOCs; and (f)in the case of a product other than a product referred to in paragraph (c), (d) or (e),(i)low vapour pressure VOCs, and(ii)fragrances that, combined, constitute 2% or less of the product’s net weight; and in the case of a product other than a product referred to in paragraph (c), (d) or (e), (ii)fragrances that, combined, constitute 2% or less of the product’s net weight; and fragrances that, combined, constitute 2% or less of the product’s net weight; and is the net weight of the product, expressed in grams. Aerosol products For the purposes of the descriptions WS and WEX, if the product in question belongs to a subcategory set out in column 2 of the table to Schedule 1 that includes aerosol products, the propellant and non-propellant fractions are determined separately then added together to give the total value for each of those elements. Antiperspirants and deodorants If the product in question is an antiperspirant or deodorant for the human axilla referred to in items 2 and 3, respectively, of the table to Schedule 1, the VOC concentration is determined separately for medium vapour pressure VOCs and high vapour pressure VOCs. Determination of VOC emission potential When determining the VOC emission potential for the purposes of these Regulations, the following substances are excluded: low vapour pressure VOCs; and in the case of charcoal lighter products referred to in item 1 of Schedule 2, fragrances that, combined, constitute 2% or less of the product’s net weight. Purpose of compliance unit trading system A person that manufactures or imports a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 may elect to participate in a compliance unit trading system that allows participants to do one or more of the following: generate compliance units in accordance with section 11 in respect of all of the reformulated products for which they have elected to participate in the compliance unit trading system; transfer unused compliance units to another person in accordance with section 12; or use compliance units that are generated by them or transferred to them to compensate for the excess quantity of VOCs determined in accordance with paragraph 13(d) in respect of a product. Permit — participants in compliance unit trading system A person that elects to participate in the compliance unit trading system may apply for a permit authorizing them to manufacture or import a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 and, if applicable, a subcategory set out in column 2 that has a VOC concentration greater than the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3. Required information The application must be submitted to the Minister and must contain the following information: the applicant’s name, civic and postal addresses, telephone number and, if any, fax number and email address; the name, title, civic and postal addresses, telephone number and, if any, fax number and email address of their authorized representative, if applicable; for each product in respect of which a permit is sought, its common or generic name and its trade name, if any, the product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 and, if applicable, the subcategory set out in column 2 to which it belongs, as well as the information used to categorize it, the VOC concentrations at which the applicant expects to manufacture or import the product, for each VOC concentration referred to in subparagraph (iii), the quantity of the product, expressed in kilograms, that the applicant expects to manufacture or import per calendar year, excluding any quantity that is manufactured or imported for export only, and for each VOC concentration referred to in subparagraph (iii), the quantity of VOCs in the product that are in excess of the applicable maximum VOC concentration, determined by the formula is the VOC concentration of the product, is the maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 for the product category set out in column 1 or, if applicable, the subcategory set out in column 2 to which the product belongs, and is the quantity of the product, expressed in kilograms, that the applicant expects to manufacture or import per calendar year, excluding the quantity that is to be manufactured or imported for export only; and a plan indicating how the applicant intends to compensate for the excess quantity of VOCs determined in accordance with subparagraph (c)(v) for all of the products in respect of which a permit is sought by using compliance units generated by them or transferred to them in accordance with sections 11 and 12. Clarifications The Minister may, on receiving the application, require any clarifications that are necessary for the application to be processed. Notice of change to information The applicant must notify the Minister in writing of any change to the information provided under this section — other than that provided under subparagraph (2)(c)(iv) — within 30 days after the day on which the change occurs. Issuance Subject to subsection (2), the Minister must issue the permit referred to in subsection 8(1) if the applicant has demonstrated how they will compensate for the excess quantity of VOCs determined in accordance with subparagraph 8(2)(c)(v). Refusal The Minister must refuse to issue the permit if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant has provided false or misleading information in support of their application; or the information required under subsections 8(2) to (4) and the certification required under section 26 have not been provided or are insufficient to enable the Minister to process the application. Revocation — grounds The Minister must revoke a permit issued under subsection 9(1) if the permit holder has not submitted the annual report referred to in section 13 within the prescribed time limit; the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the permit holder has not compensated for the excess quantity of VOCs determined in accordance with paragraph 13(d); or the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the permit holder has provided false or misleading information. Notice of revocation Before revoking a permit, the Minister must provide the permit holder with written reasons and an opportunity to make written representations concerning the revocation. Notice of participation A person that intends to generate compliance units in respect of a reformulated product that they manufacture or import must, no later than October 1 of the first year in which they elect to participate in the compliance unit trading system in respect of that product, submit a notice to the Minister that contains the following information: the person’s name, civic and postal addresses, telephone number and, if any, fax number and email address; the name, title, civic and postal addresses, telephone number and, if any, fax number and email address of their authorized representative, if applicable; and respecting the product, its lowest VOC concentration prior to reformulation, the date of reformulation and its VOC concentration after reformulation, and the quantity of the product, expressed in kilograms, that the person expects to manufacture or import during the period beginning on the day on which the notice is submitted and ending on December 31 of the same year, excluding the quantity that is to be manufactured or imported for export only. Generation of compliance units A person that has submitted a notice under subsection (1) may generate compliance units, at a rate of one compliance unit per kilogram, for all of the reformulated products that they manufacture or import during a given calendar year. The number of kilograms is determined by the formula is, for each reformulated product, the maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 for the product category set out in column 1 or, if applicable, the subcategory set out in column 2 to which the product belongs; is, for each reformulated product, the product’s VOC concentration after reformulation; and is, for each reformulated product, the quantity, expressed in kilograms, that was manufactured or imported during the year in question, excluding the quantity that was manufactured or imported for export only. First year of participation For the first calendar year in which the person participates in the compliance unit trading system, the value of the element Wi in the formula set out in subsection (2) is the quantity of the reformulated product that was manufactured or imported during the period beginning on the day on which the notice referred to in subsection (1) was submitted or the day on which the product was reformulated, whichever is later, and ending on December 31 of that year. Availability confirmed by Minister The Minister must provide the person with written confirmation of the number of compliance units that are available to them within 60 days after the day on which the person submits a report in accordance with section 14. Valid for two years Compliance units whose availability is confirmed by the Minister are valid for two years beginning on January 1 of the year following the calendar year in which they are generated. Transfer of compliance units A person that participates in the compliance unit trading system may transfer unused compliance units to another person if the compliance units are still valid and the Minister approves the transfer. Application for approval of transfer The transferee and transferor must, at least 90 days before the day on which the compliance units expire, submit to the Minister a joint application for approval of the transfer, using the form provided by the Minister, that contains the following information: the names of the transferee and transferor and their civic and postal addresses, telephone numbers and, if any, fax numbers and email addresses; the number of compliance units to be transferred; the year during which the compliance units were generated; and the effective date of the transfer. Approval by Minister The Minister must approve the transfer and inform the transferee and transferor of the approval in writing if the transferor has at least the number of unused compliance units as are proposed to be transferred to the transferee. Use by transferee The transferee may use the compliance units during the calendar year in which they are transferred and, if there are any compliance units remaining and those compliance units are still valid in accordance with subsection 11(5), during the following calendar year. Invalid transfer For greater certainty, if the transferor does not have at least the number of unused compliance units as are proposed to be transferred to the transferee, the transfer is invalid. Permit issued under subsection 9(1) A person that holds a permit issued under subsection 9(1) must, no later than March 1 of each year, submit a report to the Minister that contains the following information in respect of the preceding calendar year: for each product that the person manufactured or imported under a permit issued under subsection 9(1) during the year in question, the permit number, the VOC concentrations at which the product was manufactured or imported, and for each VOC concentration referred to in subparagraph (iii), the quantity of the product, expressed in kilograms, that was manufactured or imported during the year in question, excluding the quantity that was manufactured or imported for export only; for all of the products that the person manufactured or imported under a permit issued under subsection 9(1) during the year in question, the quantity of VOCs in the products that is in excess of the applicable maximum VOC concentration for those products, determined by the formula is, for each product in respect of which a permit was issued that was manufactured or imported at a given VOC concentration, the product’s VOC concentration, is, for each product in respect of which a permit was issued that was manufactured or imported at a given VOC concentration, the maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 for the product category set out in column 1 or, if applicable, the subcategory set out in column 2 to which the product belongs, and is, for each product in respect of which a permit was issued that was manufactured or imported at a given VOC concentration, the quantity, expressed in kilograms, that was manufactured or imported during the year, excluding the quantity that is manufactured or imported for export only; the values and data used in the calculation made in accordance with paragraph (d); the number of compliance units that are being used to compensate for the excess quantity of VOCs determined in accordance with paragraph (d) and a statement as to whether those compliance units were generated by the person or were transferred to them, and if the compliance units were transferred, the date of the transfer and the name of the transferor; and confirmation of whether the person intends to continue manufacturing or importing products under a permit issued under subsection 9(1) during the calendar year following the year in question and, if so, the quantity of each product, expressed in kilograms, that they expect to manufacture or import during that calendar year, excluding any quantity to be manufactured or imported for export only, and the expected VOC concentration for each product. Person that generates compliance units A person that generates compliance units during a calendar year must, no later than March 1 of the following year, submit a report to the Minister that contains the following information: for each reformulated product for which they have elected to participate in the compliance unit trading system for the calendar year in question, its VOC concentration after reformulation and the date of the reformulation, and the quantity of the product, expressed in kilograms, that the person manufactured or imported during the year in question, excluding the quantity that was manufactured or imported for export only; the values and data used in the calculation made in accordance with subsection 11(2) for the calendar year in question and the result of that calculation; and confirmation of whether the person intends to continue participating in the compliance unit trading system during the calendar year following the year in question and, if so, the quantity of each product, expressed in kilograms, that they expect to manufacture or import during that calendar year, excluding any quantity to be manufactured or imported for export only, and the expected VOC concentration for each product. Application A person may apply for a permit or a renewal of their permit, as the case may be, authorizing them to manufacture or import a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 and, if applicable, a subcategory set out in column 2 that has a VOC concentration that is greater than the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3, but that, when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions, results in lower VOC emissions than those that would result from the use of another product that belongs to the same category and, if applicable, the same subcategory that has a VOC concentration that is less than or equal to that maximum VOC concentration. the product’s common or generic name and trade name, if any; the product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 and, if applicable, the subcategory set out in column 2 to which the product belongs, as well as the information used to categorize it; the product’s VOC concentration; the quantity of the product, expressed in kilograms, that the applicant expects to manufacture or import per calendar year, excluding any quantity that is manufactured or imported for export only; in the case of an application for the renewal of a permit in respect of the product, the number of the existing permit; and evidence that demonstrates that the use of the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions results in lower VOC emissions than those that would result from the use of another product that belongs to the same category and, if applicable, the same subcategory that has a VOC concentration that is less than or equal to the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1. The applicant must notify the Minister in writing of any change to the information provided under this section — other than that provided under paragraph (2)(f) — within 30 days after the day on which the change occurs. Issuance or renewal Subject to subsection (2), the Minister must issue or renew, as the case may be, a permit referred to in subsection 15(1) if the applicant has demonstrated that, even though the product’s VOC concentration is greater than the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1, the use of the product, in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions, results in lower VOC emissions than those that would result from the use of another product that belongs to the same category and, if applicable, the same subcategory that has a VOC concentration that is less than or equal to that maximum VOC concentration. The Minister must refuse to issue or renew the permit if the information required under subsections 15(2) to (4) and the certification required under section 26 have not been provided or are insufficient to enable the Minister to process the application. Expiry The permit expires on the fourth anniversary of the day on which it is issued or renewed unless the permit holder submits an application for renewal at least 90 days before the day on which the permit expires and the application is approved by the Minister. The Minister must revoke a permit issued or renewed under subsection 16(1) in respect of a product if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the use of the product, in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions, no longer results in lower VOC emissions than those that would result from the use of another product that belongs to the same category and, if applicable, the same subcategory that has a VOC concentration that is less than or equal to the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1; the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the permit holder has provided false or misleading information; or the product does not bear a label, or is not accompanied by documentation, that sets out the instructions referred to in section 23. A person that intends to, on or after the applicable date referred to in subsection 3(4) or the day on which their permit expires, as the case may be, manufacture or import a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 or column 1 of Schedule 2 that has a VOC concentration or VOC emission potential that is greater than the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 or the applicable maximum VOC emission potential set out in column 2 of Schedule 2, as the case may be, may apply for a permit, or for a renewal of their permit, authorizing them to manufacture or import that product on or after the applicable date if it is not technically or economically feasible for them to, by that date, reduce the product’s VOC concentration or VOC emission potential, as the case may be, to a level that is less than or equal to that maximum VOC concentration or maximum VOC emission potential. The application must be submitted to the Minister before the applicable date referred to in subsection 3(4) or the day on which the permit expires, as the case may be, and must contain the following information: the product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 or column 1 of Schedule 2 and, if applicable, the subcategory set out in column 2 of the table to Schedule 1 to which the product belongs, as well as the information used to determine its classification; the product’s VOC concentration or, in the case of a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of Schedule 2, its VOC emission potential; the quantity of the product that the applicant expects to manufacture or import per calendar year, excluding any quantity that is manufactured or imported for export only; in the case of an application for the renewal of a permit in respect of the product, the number of the existing permit; the requested validity period for the permit, up to a maximum of two years; evidence that demonstrates that it will not be technically or economically feasible for the applicant to, by the applicable date referred to in subsection 3(4) or the day on which their permit is to expire, as the case may be, reduce the product’s VOC concentration or VOC emission potential, as the case may be, to a level that is less than or equal to the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 or the applicable maximum VOC emission potential set out in column 2 of Schedule 2, as the case may be; a plan describing the measures that will be taken to reduce the product’s VOC concentration or VOC emission potential, as the case may be, to a level that is less than or equal to the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 or the applicable maximum VOC emission potential set out in column 2 of Schedule 2, as the case may be; and a statement of the period within which the plan is to be implemented, up to a maximum of two years. Subject to subsection (2), the Minister must issue or renew a permit referred to in subsection 18(1) if the applicant has demonstrated that it will not be technically or economically feasible for them to, by the applicable date referred to in subsection 3(4) or the day on which their permit is to expire, as the case may be, reduce the product’s VOC concentration or VOC emission potential, as the case may be, to a level that is less than or equal to the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1 or the applicable maximum VOC emission potential set out in column 2 of Schedule 2, as the case may be. The Minister must refuse to issue or renew a permit if the information required under subsections 18(2) to (4) and the certification required under section 26 have not been provided or are insufficient to enable the Minister to process the application. The permit expires on the second anniversary of the day on which the permit becomes effective or on an earlier date specified in the permit unless the permit holder submits an application for renewal at least 90 days before the day on which the permit expires and the application is approved by the Minister. The renewed permit expires on the second anniversary of the day on which the renewal becomes effective or on an earlier date specified in the renewed permit. Application for renewal An application for renewal may be made only once. Explanation of reasons An application for renewal must include an explanation of the reasons why the plan that was submitted in the initial permit application was not implemented within the period identified in that initial application. The Minister must revoke a permit issued or renewed under subsection 19(1) if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the permit holder has provided false or misleading information. Accredited laboratory Any analysis performed to determine the VOC concentration or VOC emission potential of a product for the purposes of these Regulations must be performed by a laboratory that meets the following conditions at the time of the analysis: it is accredited under the International Organization for Standardization standard ISO/IEC 17025, entitled General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, by an accrediting body that is a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement, or under the Environment Quality Act, CQLR, c. Q-2; and subject to subsection (2), the scope of its accreditation includes the analysis performed to determine the VOC concentration or VOC emission potential of a product. Standards of good practice If no method has been recognized by a standards development organization in respect of the analysis performed to determine the VOC concentration or VOC emission potential of a product and the scope of the laboratory’s accreditation does not therefore include that analysis, the analysis must be performed in accordance with standards of good scientific practice that are generally accepted at the time that it is performed. Date of manufacture Beginning on the applicable date referred to in subsection 3(4), any person that manufactures or imports a product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 or in column 1 of Schedule 2 must indicate, on the container in which the product is offered for sale or sold, the date on which the product was manufactured or a code representing that date. If a code is used, the person must provide the Minister, on request, with an explanation of the code. Exemptions Subsection (1) does not apply to a personal fragrance product referred to in item 11 of the table to Schedule 1 that is in a container of 2 ml or less; or any product that belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of that table and has a VOC concentration less than or equal to 0.10% w/w. Instructions for use Beginning on the applicable date referred to in subsection 3(4), if a product is authorized to be manufactured or imported by a permit issued under subsection 16(1), the manufacturer or importer must ensure that, before the product is offered for sale or sold, it bears a label, or is accompanied by documentation, that sets out instructions in both official languages for the use of the product in a manner that results in lower VOC emissions than those that would result from the use of another product that belongs to the same category and, if applicable, the same subcategory that has a VOC concentration that is less than or equal to the applicable maximum VOC concentration set out in column 3 of the table to Schedule 1. Records to be maintained Beginning on the applicable date referred to in subsection 3(4), any person that manufactures or imports a product that contains VOCs and belongs to a product category set out in column 1 of the table to Schedule 1 or column 1 of Schedule 2 must maintain records containing the following information and any supporting documents: in the case of a manufacturer, the product’s common or generic name and trademark and trade name, if any, and the quantity of the product that is manufactured at each manufacturing plant and the date of its manufacture; and in the case of an importer, the product’s common or generic name and trademark and trade name, if any, the quantity of the product that is imported and the date of its importation, the name, civic and postal addresses, telephone number and, if any, fax number and email address of the principal place of business of the product’s sender, the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System number for the product, as set out in the Customs Tariff, and the business number assigned to the importer by the Minister of National Revenue. Records — information submitted to Minister Any person that submits information to the Minister under these Regulations must maintain records containing that information and a copy of any supporting documents. Five years The records must be kept for a period of at least five years after the day on which they are made, in the case of the records referred to in subsection (1); and the day on which the information referred to in subsection (2) is submitted to the Minister, in the case of the records referred to in that subsection. Location of records The records referred to in section 24 must be kept at the person’s principal place of business in Canada or at any other place in Canada where they can be inspected. If the records are not kept at the person’s principal place of business, the person must provide the Minister with the civic address of the place where they are kept. Change of address If the civic address referred to in subsection (1) changes, the person must notify the Minister in writing within 30 days after the day on which the change occurs. Certification Any information that is submitted under these Regulations must be accompanied by a certification, dated and signed by the person submitting the information or by their authorized representative, stating that the information is accurate and complete. Electronic or paper format Any document that is submitted under these Regulations may be submitted in paper format or in an electronic format that is compatible with the format that is used by the Minister. Electronic signature If the document is submitted in electronic format, the document may be signed electronically. [Amendments] January 1 following first anniversary of registration These Regulations come into force on January 1 of the year following the calendar year of the first anniversary of the day on which they are registered. The following definitions apply in this Schedule. cleaner or duster for energized equipment means a product that is designed to clean or dust equipment while there is an electrical current in the equipment or while there is a residual electrical potential from a component such as a capacitor. (nettoyant ou dépoussiéreur d’équipements sous tension) contact adhesive means non-aerosol adhesive – other than rubber cement that is designed for use on paper substrates and vulcanizing fluid that is designed solely for tire repair — that is designed for application to surfaces to be bonded together; is to dry before the surfaces are placed in contact with each other; forms an immediate bond that makes it difficult or impossible to reposition the adhesive-coated surfaces after they are placed in contact with each other; and does not require sustained pressure or the clamping of surfaces to establish an adherence between the surfaces after the adhesive-coated surfaces have been brought together using momentary pressure. (adhésif de contact) Aerosol For greater certainty, in this Schedule, a reference to “aerosol” does not include pump sprays. Overview The table to this Schedule sets out VOC concentration limits for each product category or, if applicable, subcategory. aerosol, in the case of a high vapour pressure VOC, 40, in the case of a medium vapour pressure VOC, 10 non-aerosol in the case of a high vapour pressure VOC, 0, a prescription drug; an antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap; an astringent or toner; a general-use hand or body cleaner or soap; or rubbing alcohol non-aerosol, all other forms aerosol or pump spray, designed to alleviate fungal or bacterial growth and regulated as a drug under the Food and Drugs Act; a skin care product that is designed to alleviate skin conditions such as dryness or irritations; designed exclusively to be applied to genitalia, undergarments or sanitary pads; designed for cleaning the body; or designed for use in the mouth product containing fragrance less than or equal to 20% based on net weight, product containing fragrance greater than 20% based on net weight both a wash and a wax; a surfactant-containing wash; or for use on unpainted surfaces hard paste wax that does not contain water, instant detailer that is in pump-spray format and is to be wiped off before the product dries, designed solely for introduction into a fuel line or a fuel storage tank; or pressurized and designed for introduction directly into air-intake vacuum lines during engine operation by using a sprayer wand biological residue (such as insects or tree sap); or road grime (such as tar, road-marking paint or asphalt) a clear aerosol coating that does not contain pigments and is designed to be applied over any other coating; or an aerosol coating that contains pigments or resins and is designed exclusively for vinyl an automotive power-steering fluid; designed for use inside power-generating motors, engines or turbines or associated power-transfer gearboxes; a two-cycle motor oil or another product that is designed to be added to fuels; a lubricant that is designed solely for releasing manufactured products from moulds; or a dry lubricant that is designed to provide lubricity by depositing a film of solid material (such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide, chemically related fluoropolymers or boron nitride) multi-purpose lubricants that are not solid or semi-solid, silicone-based multi-purpose lubricants that are not solid or semi-solid, penetrating lubricants designed primarily for loosening metal parts that have bonded together, aerosol anti-seize lubricant, non-aerosol anti-seize lubricant, aerosol cutting or tapping oil, non-aerosol cutting or tapping oil, aerosol gear, chain or wire lubricant, excluding lubricant designed solely for use on chains of chain-driven vehicles, non-aerosol gear, chain or wire lubricant, excluding lubricant designed solely for use on chains of chain-driven vehicles, aerosol rust-preventative or rust-control lubricant, non-aerosol rust-preventative or rust-control lubricant designed solely for automotive or marine detailing; or designed for use in degreasing tanks is a cleaning product; or consists entirely of fragrance and any combination of low vapour pressure VOCs and compounds other than VOCs single-phase aerosol, double-phase aerosol, liquid or pump spray, solid or semi-solid, aerosol that is designed for use as a disinfectant and air freshener a vinyl or leather cleaner; a dry-cleaning fluid; or designed for use solely at industrial facilities engaged in furniture or carpet manufacturing is a moist towelette designed solely for use by medical, convalescent or veterinary establishments; is designed for use on heat-sensitive critical or semi-critical medical devices or medical-equipment surfaces; is represented to have disinfecting or antimicrobial properties and designed for use as a glass cleaner, toilet or urinal cleaner or deodorizer, metal polish or cleanser, or fabric refresher; is designed for application on food contact surfaces and does not require the surface to be rinsed after use; or is designed solely for use on humans or animals, in agriculture or in swimming pools, therapeutic tubs or hot tubs a cleaner or duster for energized equipment; or designed for cleaning the casings or housings of electrical equipment designed for cleaning the casings or housings of electronic equipment designed exclusively to repel water from fabric; designed for use primarily for colouring; a clear aerosol coating that contains no pigment and is designed to be applied over any other coating; or an aerosol coating that contains pigments or resins and is designed exclusively for use on fabric product designed for use on flexible flooring, product designed for use on non-flexible flooring, product designed solely for use on wood flooring, excluding any product that cleans and waxes or cleans and polishes a floor polish; or designed solely for the purpose of cleaning floors or the maintenance of marble floors non-aerosol products that are designed to remove a light or medium buildup of polish or wax, non-aerosol products that are designed to remove a heavy buildup of polish or wax a rubber or vinyl protectant; designed solely for deodorizing; a sealant with adhesive properties used to create an external protective layer greater than 2 mm thick; or an aerosol coating that contains pigments or resins and is designed exclusively for use on vinyl, fabric, leather or plastic solid, non-aerosol, except one that is in solid or paste form aerosol or solid, for use in cold, vapour or conveyorized degreasers; for use in film-cleaning machines; or solely for cleaning equipment used to apply polyaspartic or polyurea coatings a solvent or thinner for use by artists; designed solely for thinning industrial maintenance coatings, zinc-rich primers or high-temperature coatings; or designed for use solely as an essential component in a specific coating designed for use near an open flame special-purpose contact adhesive that is packaged in a quantity of more than 236 ml but less than 3.785 l and is designed for use in bonding the following to any surface:
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Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations — segment 2
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Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations — segment 2
This provision lists specific product types and use cases, including several adhesives, sealants, foams, and automotive-related materials, along with some size, thickness, temperature, and composition thresholds.
melamine-covered board, unprimed metal, unsupported vinyl, fluoropolymers, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), rubber, high-pressure laminate, or wood veneer that is less than or equal to 1.5875 mm thick, or is designed for use in the following automotive applications: engine compartments requiring resistance to heat, oil or gasoline, or body side moulding, weatherstrip or decorative trim, general-purpose contact adhesive that is packaged in a quantity of less than 3.785 l, single-component construction, panel or floor-covering adhesive — other than floor-seam sealers that are designed for use on installed flexible sheet flooring — that is packaged in a quantity of less than or equal to 475 ml or less than or equal to 454 g and that is designed for use on structural and building components (such as beams, trusses, studs, panelling, moulding or countertops), or floor or wall coverings, general-purpose adhesive that is packaged in a quantity of less than or equal to 475 ml or less than or equal to 454 g the following special-purpose spray adhesives: mounting adhesive designed for permanently affixing photographs, artwork or any other drawn or printed media to a backing (such as paper, board or cloth), adhesive for flexible vinyl that has at least 5% by weight of plasticizer content, adhesive that is designed for use in automotive engine compartments and that, at temperatures of 93°C to 135°C, provides resistance to oil and plasticizer and has high shear strength, polystyrene foam adhesive, automotive headliner adhesive, polyolefin adhesive, laminate-repair or edge-banding adhesive designed for touching up or repairing materials (such as sheet materials made of paper, fabric or other core materials) that have been laminated to a substrate at temperatures exceeding 129°C and pressures between 6 850 kPa and 9 650 kPa, or touching up, repairing or attaching edge-banding materials (such as other laminates, synthetic marble, veneers, wood moulding or decorative metals), mist or particle spray adhesive, web spray adhesives other than those referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) floor or wall covering adhesive remover, gasket or thread-locking adhesive remover, including products designed for use as both a paint stripper and gasket or thread-locking adhesive remover, specialty adhesive remover that is designed to remove reactive adhesives (such as epoxies, urethanes or silicones) that require a hardener or catalyst for the bond to occur, general-purpose adhesive remover a roof cement or sealant; an insulating foam; a removable caulking compound that is designed to temporarily seal windows or doors; a clear, paintable caulking compound that is immediately water-resistant; a floor-seam sealer; designed solely for automotive applications; a sealer that is to be applied as a continuous coating; or a pipe-thread or pipe-joint compound an electrical starter or probe; a metallic cylinder that uses paper tinder; natural gas; propane; or wood kindling with naturally occurring levels of sap or resin that enhance ignition of the kindling
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Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations
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