Compliance Guide for Dry Cleaners

These questions and answers are not related to any specific provisions in the Regulations but they are general questions that are most frequently asked by dry cleaners.

Q1.  Where can I get a copy of the Regulations?

Q2.  Are the Regulations available in any other languages?

Q3.  Is this Compliance Guide available in any other languages?

Q4.  Is a dry-cleaning facility subject to inspections?

Q5.  What happens if a dry cleaner does not comply with the Regulations?

Q6.  How can a person report non-compliance to the Regulations?

Q7.  Is financial assistance available for dry cleaners?

Q8.  Is the federal government regulating other uses of PERC?

Q9.  Is the use of other dry-cleaning solvents regulated by Environment Canada?

Q10. Who can be contacted for more information on the Regulations?

Q1. Where can I get a copy of the Regulations?

A copy of the Regulations is enclosed with this compliance promotion package that was sent to all dry cleaners. A copy of the Regulations can also be downloaded from the CEPA Registry web site at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/regulations.

Q2. Are the Regulations available in any other languages?

The official legal text of the Regulations is available in English or French. The Regulations are also available in Korean, Chinese and Punjabi but these translations have no legal status. In other words, if there are any discrepancies or inconsistencies between the English/French versions and the other translated versions, the English/French versions will prevail. A copy of the Korean, Chinese or Punjabi version can be obtained from the appropriate regional Environment Canada contact listed in Appendix A. 

Q3. Is this Compliance Guide available in any other languages?

This Compliance Guide is available in English or French.

Q4. Is a dry-cleaning facility subject to inspections?

Yes. Designated Environment Canada Enforcement Officers and Analysts are authorized to conduct inspections to verify compliance with the Regulations.

The Regulations are made under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which requires the owner or person in charge to provide reasonable assistance to the Enforcement Officers in the performance of their duties.

Q5. What happens if a dry cleaner does not comply with the Regulations?

The Regulations are made under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). Compliance with CEPA 1999 and its regulations is mandatory.  Under CEPA 1999, a  person who is found guilty of contravening the Act or its regulations may be subject to fines, imprisonment, court order and/or other enforcement measures. The CEPA 1999 Compliance and Enforcement Policy sets out the criteria for enforcement responses. A copy of this Policy is available from the CEPA Registry website

Q6. How can a person report non-compliance to the Regulations?

Non-compliance occurrence can be reported to the appropriate regional enforcement offices of Environment Canada listed in Appendix A.

Section 17 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) also provides a formal application, including a solemn affirmation or declaration, for an investigation of an alleged offence under the Regulations. More information on Section 17 of CEPA 1999 is available from the CEPA Registry website

Q7. Is financial assistance available for dry cleaners?

Industry Canada, through Canada Small Business Financing Program, assists small businesses, including dry cleaners, in financing fixed assets. Under this program a dry cleaner may apply to a financial institution or a participating lease company of its choice for a loan or lease. Loans can be used for financing up to 90% of costs. Small businesses operating in Canada with gross annual revenues of $5 million or less are eligible. The maximum amount a business can access is $500,000. For further information contact Industry Canada at 1-866-959-1699, at csbfp-pfpec@ic.gc.ca or visit their website at: www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp.  

Q8. Is the federal government regulating other uses of PERC?

Yes. The complementary Solvent Degreasing Regulations have been proposed to control the release of PERC and trichloroethylene from the degreasing sector, which is the other major source of PERC release to the environment. For more information see the Solvent Degreasing Regulations

Q9. Is the use of other dry-cleaning solvents regulated by Environment Canada?

Environment Canada currently does not have any regulations that regulate the use of non-PERC solvents in dry cleaning. 

Some of the substances found in spotting agents may be on the List of Toxic Substances (that is, Schedule I) of the CEPA 1999. CEPA 1999 control measures may be implemented to manage these toxic substances in some industrial sectors. Information on CEPA 1999 regulations is available at the CEPA Registry at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/regulations.

Q10. Who can be contacted for more information on the Regulations?

Additional information on the Regulations is available on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website. Alternatively, the appropriate regional Environment Canada representative listed in Appendix A can be contacted.