Hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable materials - May 2023 News Bulletin

What's new

India Waste Paper Contamination Limits 

India has changed their contamination limits for all grades of paper, paperboard and paper products imported for recycling. The notice issued by the Indian government provides guidance on compliance with import and waste management requirements, including the need to provide a “credible pre-shipment inspection report based on a bale-break report".

In general, it is a maximum limit of 5 % for non-paper materials in waste paper consignments. However, the following contaminants have a zero tolerance and are prohibited:

• putrefiable organic matter;
• biomedical waste;
• municipal solid waste; and 
• and post-consumer domestic waste.

Please note that while India may have increased much of their non-paper content limits, other countries may still require lower or zero limits on such material. You are responsible to find out the requirements, contaminant limits and prohibitions for all countries where your shipment will travel.

Don't forget! Exports of commodities for recycling may be controlled by the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations based on these foreign regulations, even if not considered hazardous within Canada. Shipments that exceed non-paper content limits, or contain prohibited materials or hazardous materials, may be detained and their return requested by Authorities in a country of transit, at the final destination, or in Canada, and can be subject to enforcement measures.

CNMTS Feedback Request

We are looking for feedback on your experience using the Canadian Notification and Movement Tracking System (CNMTS), which is used for the notification and permitting process as well as creating movement documents.

Please take two minutes to fill out the short survey that we have developed. It will allow us to collect your observations and needs regarding your use of CNMTS. You have until June 30, 2023 to submit your answers.

If you have questions regarding CNMTS, you can consult the CNMTS User Guide, or reach us at cnmts-scnsm@ec.gc.ca.

On your radar

Avoid Shipment Weight Discrepancies

As a permit holder, you must ensure that the weight of the shipment indicated on your movement document is accurate and precise. Specifically, the quantity shipped must not exceed the maximum quantity authorized on the corresponding permit. The quantity that is received must also match the quantity that was originally shipped. Finally, it is your responsibility to ensure that the foreign importer or exporter provides you with an accurate value.

Reminder: Include all Your Carriers on Your Permit

Only carriers listed as an authorized carrier on your permit can be used to move your hazardous waste or hazardous recyclable material. When applying for a permit, you should include all the possible carriers that may transport your material. When you are ready to ship, you must then select from the authorized carriers listed on your permit.

If you want to use a carrier that is not listed on your permit to transport your hazardous waste or hazardous recyclable material, you need to apply for a new permit to include that carrier, prior to shipment.

Share your thoughts

We would like to hear from you. If you have a success story to share, feedback on your experience with the Canadian notification and movement tracking system (CNMTS), or are looking for general information on the federal hazardous wastes regulations, contact your regional office:

• Pacific & Yukon: dechets-py-waste@ec.gc.ca
• Prairie & Northern: promconrpn-compropnr@ec.gc.ca
• Ontario: promcon-on-compro@ec.gc.ca
• Quebec: dechets-qc-waste@ec.gc.ca
• Atlantic: promo-atl-compro@ec.gc.ca

For more information, visit: Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations - Overview