PCB Regulations: End-of-use Dates and Extension

Environment & Climate Change Canada – PCB Regulations: End-of-use Dates and Extension

JUNE 30, 2026 – The end-of-use deadline for equipment containing PCBs referred to in subparagraph 16(1)(b)(ii) or subsection 16(2) or (2.1) of the PCB Regulations is approaching. In accordance with the PCB Regulations, December 31, 2026 is the last day that the following equipment containing PCBs with a concentration of 50mg/kg (50 ppm) or more can be used:

• electrical capacitors, light ballasts, electrical transformers and their auxiliary electrical equipment, including pole-top electrical transformers and their pole-top auxiliary electrical equipment;
• electromagnets that are not used in the handling of food, feed or any additive to food or feed; and
• heat transfer equipment, hydraulic equipment, vapour diffusion pumps and bridge bearings.

Furthermore, for electrical generation, transmission and distribution facilities, December 31, 2026 is the last day that current transformers, potential transformers, circuit breakers, reclosers and bushings containing PCBs in a concentration of 500 mg/kg or more can be used.

PCBs are synthetic compounds that are commonly found in different types of electrical equipment, they can be found in both the fluids and/or coatings (e.g. paint) of the equipment. It should be noted that the concentration of PCBs in paint that is applied to equipment containing PCBs, either during its manufacture or its useful life, contributes to the total concentration of PCBs in that equipment.

As the end-of-use deadline approaches, owners of the affected equipment need to plan for the decommissioning, and ensure its environmental sound management in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Please be advised that the PCB Regulations provide for the continued use of equipment referred to in subparagraph 16(1)(b)(ii) or subsection 16(2) or (2.1) beyond December 31, 2026 pursuant to an extension granted by the Minister. This would include equipment containing PCBs in either its fluids or in its coatings. Extensions may be granted by the Minister following the submission and assessment of an application process.

For more information on application requirements, please refer to section 17.1 of the PCB Regulations.

• Applications under section 17.1 must be submitted to bpc-pcb@ec.gc.ca well in advance of December 31, 2026, to give sufficient time to complete the review and approval process prior to the deadline.

CONTACT:

PCB Program / Waste Reduction and Management Division
Environmental Protection Branch
Environment and Climate Change Canada
bpc-pcb@ec.gc.ca/ Tel: 1-844-815-6418