Join the Canadian Apparel Federation for the first session of Chemicals in Clothes, a new twice-yearly webinar series on the regulations that govern chemical compliance for apparel and textile products. Each session covers new developments in different jurisdictions. This webinar deals with reporting requirements in Canada and Proposition 65 requirements for firms that need to follow requirements in California. It gives brands, importers, and retailers the practical guidance they need to comply.

Beyond those requirements, key retailers in the Canadian marketplace are now asking that vendors guarantee that they meet ECCC reporting requirements (not just the product-based requirements vendors are accustomed to). 

Bruce Calder of Claigan Environmental presents all three topics in this session:

1. Canada: Section 71 CEPA Notices for Chemicals Management Plan – 2026

The Notice with respect to certain substances under the Chemicals Management Plan – 2026 Phase 1 & Phase 2 was published on August 29, 2026. These notices are mandatory, and importers of finished goods can be in scope.

• Phase 1: 184 substances. The deadline to report is March 3, 2027.
• Phase 2: 16 substances. The deadline to report is September 8, 2027.
• The reporting year is 2025 for both notices.
• Reporting is triggered by substances at 0.1% w/w or more in imported clothing, footwear, bedding, and towels.
• Common reportable substances in textiles and clothing in PVC, rubber, spin finishes, and anti-static agents.

Key topics:

• Determining whether your company must report
• The listed substances most relevant to apparel and textiles
• Obtaining substance data from foreign suppliers
• Response options, extensions, and confidentiality requests

2. Canada: Federal Plastics Registry Update

Phase 1 reporting continues for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 calendar years. Phase 1 covers product packaging, so apparel and textile companies that import or sell packaged goods must report. The expansion of reporting to textiles and apparel is postponed, and ECCC is developing a new notice for the 2027–2029 calendar years.

Key topics:

• Current Phase 1 obligations and the most up-to-date information on the textiles reporting deadline.
• Status of the 2027–2029 notice and its potential scope for textiles and apparel
• Plastics categories, with practical examples
• Technical and sales data requirements
• How to handle poor or missing supplier data
• How to merge technical and sales data

3. California: Proposition 65 Warning Requirements for 2028 and the 2026 Omnibus

Starting in 2028, the generic Prop 65 warning will no longer be valid. Short-form warnings must name a specific substance. If a warning names a substance that is not present or that poses no exposure risk, the company loses safe harbor protection. Private enforcers file more than 400 notices a month, so an incorrect warning carries real legal exposure.

Bruce will explain the 2028 rules, the 2026 Omnibus updates, and a practical approach to compliance, drawing on Claigan's work on thousands of products.

Key topics:

• 2028 warning requirements
• Identifying the correct substance
• Ensuring that the warning is valid
• How to prove a warning is not needed, and remain protected against enforcement
• How to protect your company in each situation
• Updates from the 2026 Omnibus

Who should attend

Importers, brands, retailers, and manufacturers of apparel, footwear, and home textiles, and the compliance, sourcing, and product development staff who support them.

NOTE: in order to register for this event you must login as a registered user(no charge) or member of the CAF. Please contact us if you are unsure of your membership status.