Canada Moves on Asbestos-Containing Products

A regulatory body in Canada is proposing a comprehensive ban on all forms of asbestos.

Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with Health Canada, are considering the enactment of new stand-alone regulations to prohibit the import, use, and sale of asbestos, as well as the manufacture, use, sale, and import of products containing asbestos.

The export of all types of asbestos and products containing asbestos would also be prohibited.

As proposed, the Asbestos Products Regulations made under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act would be repealed.

The new regulations and amendments are elements of the government-wide strategy to introduce a comprehensive ban on asbestos to reduce Canadians' future exposure to it. 

The proposed regulations would apply only to activities that occur after enforecement begins.