Sustainability regulations are changing, and Canadian clothing brands have another reason to pay attention: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
EPR changes who is responsible for products after customers are finished using them. Instead of leaving waste management entirely to municipalities and taxpayers, these programs make producers responsible for certain collection, recycling, and disposal costs.
For clothing brands, this raises an important question: could you eventually be responsible for what happens to the garments you sell?
In this guide, we'll explain how EPR works, what Canada's evolving regulatory landscape means for clothing brands, and the practical steps you can take now to prepare for future requirements.
What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility is a policy approach that extends a producer's physical and/or financial responsibility into the post-consumer stage of a product's life cycle.
Depending on the regulation, the responsible producer could be the brand owner, manufacturer, or company importing the product into Canada.
Under an EPR program, businesses may need to:
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Register their products with the relevant authority.
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Report the types and quantities of products they sell.
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Help fund collection and recycling programs.
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Meet specific recycling or recovery targets.
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Keep records of materials used in their products.
The exact requirements depend on the product and the province.
If apparel-specific EPR rules are introduced, clothing brands may eventually need to track more than sales and inventory. You may also need detailed information about your materials and how your products are managed after use.
What Are Canada's Current Textile EPR Regulations?
Canada currently has no nationwide EPR program for regular clothing.
However, the government is looking at ways to reduce textile waste. These include clothing recycling, repair, reuse, take-back programs, and possible EPR regulations.
For brands researching extended producer responsibility for textiles in Canada, note that 2028 is not a confirmed deadline for clothing EPR compliance.
Some provinces already have EPR rules for products like packaging. British Columbia has also introduced rules for certain battery-containing clothing and accessories, starting in 2027. These rules don't apply to regular T-shirts, hoodies, or jackets without batteries.
For now, clothing brands should stay up to date on new regulations rather than assume EPR will cover all apparel in 2028.
Why Is 2028 Still Worth Watching?
Canada's Federal Plastics Registry is already in operation and collects information about plastic placed on the Canadian market and, over time, what happens to it at end of life.
The original plan included reporting requirements for clothing made with plastic-based fibres, such as polyester.
However, in March 2026, the government delayed these requirements and announced plans to update the reporting rules for 2027 to 2029. The exact requirements and deadlines for clothing brands are still unclear.
Unlike EPR, the Federal Plastics Registry focuses on collecting information rather than making businesses responsible for recycling.
For clothing brands, the takeaway is to start tracking your materials and keeping accurate production records now. This will make it easier to prepare for future regulations.
What Should Canadian Clothing Brands Do Now?
Start by organising the product information you already have.
Focus on five areas:
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Fabric composition: Know which fibres your garments contain, including cotton, polyester, and blended materials.
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Production quantities: Track how many units you manufacture, import, and sell in Canada.
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Sales locations: Record which provinces you sell in, since regulations can differ.
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Packaging materials: Track bags, boxes, mailers, and other packaging that may already fall under provincial EPR requirements.
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Supplier records: Request accurate material specifications and production information from your manufacturers.
These records will help you understand your products and respond more easily if reporting requirements change.
A clear fabric sourcing process can also help you make informed material choices and maintain accurate specifications before production begins.
How Can Clothing Brands Prepare Through Better Product Design?
Preparing for future regulations isn't only about maintaining records. It's also about making better products.
Clothing that lasts longer, can be repaired, or is easier to reuse may help reduce waste.
Start by reviewing how you develop your garments.
Choose durable fabrics, consider whether trims can be replaced, and avoid unnecessary material combinations that could make recycling more difficult.
These decisions are easier to make during product development, before manufacturing begins.
Brands can also explore resale, repair, or clothing take-back programs. These aren't mandatory for most apparel brands today, but they can help you understand what happens to your products after customers stop wearing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will textile EPR become mandatory in Canada by 2028?
No confirmed nationwide textile EPR deadline exists for 2028. Future requirements are still being developed.
2. Does EPR apply to small clothing brands?
It depends on the regulation. Future rules may consider business size, sales volume, and product categories.
3. What clothing products could fall under future EPR regulations?
Future programs could cover clothing, footwear, and other textiles, but Canada has not finalised a nationwide list.
4. Is the Federal Plastics Registry the same as EPR?
No. The registry collects information about plastics, while EPR makes producers responsible for certain end-of-life costs or activities.
5. How can clothing brands prepare for EPR compliance?
Start by tracking materials, production quantities, packaging, and supplier information. Stay informed about federal and provincial updates.
Prepare Now for Future Textile Rules
Textile EPR regulations in Canada are still developing, so brands do not need to overhaul their operations overnight. The best place to start is with accurate product records, clear material information, and reliable production processes.
Preparing early makes it easier to adapt as reporting and compliance requirements become clearer. It also helps you build better systems around sourcing, manufacturing, and product quality.
Get in touch with our team to build stronger product and production systems for your clothing brand.
