Following up on its October communication regarding the mandatory reporting requirements for forever chemicals (PFAS) by importers, the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada has secured the opportunity to submit a consolidated report on behalf of Canadian RV dealerships.
The report will cover the import of recreational vehicles, parts and accessories, thereby relieving its dealers of the individual reporting burden.
“This action streamlines the reporting process for our members while ensuring compliance with the new regulations. As part of this process, we will certify that we are authorized to collect, analyze and report this data on behalf of our member dealerships,” RVDA of Canada said.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals found in various products due to their resistance to water, oil and heat. PFAS are used in items relevant to the RV industry, such as textiles, carpets and fabric treatments. However, their environmental persistence and health risks have led to increasingly strict regulations across several countries, including Canada.
What to know:
- Consolidated Reporting: The RVDA will submit a single report on behalf of its members, simplifying the reporting process.
- Data Collection and Analysis: The RVDA will be responsible for collecting, analyzing and submitting the necessary data.
- Opt-Out Option: Dealerships can opt out of this consolidated reporting if they choose to submit their own reports directly to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- Extension Request: The RVDA is actively pursuing a six-month extension to allow for the necessary data collection from U.S. manufacturers and suppliers.
“If you do not wish to be included in this amalgamated report, please notify us as soon as possible. If you opt out, you will be responsible for submitting your PFAS data directly to Environment and Climate Change Canada. In cases where companies are unable to meet the deadline, they may request an extension from the Minister of the Environment before Jan. 29,” the association said.
“We understand that this is a significant regulatory change, if you have any questions or require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact RVDA of Canada President Eleonore Hamm directly.”
The association is also pursuing a six-month extension to allow time for collecting the necessary retroactive data from U.S. manufacturers and suppliers.
The reporting process aims to gather information on the types and quantities of PFAS being used or imported, allowing Canadian authorities to better understand the scope of PFAS usage and make informed decisions about further regulatory actions.
The increased scrutiny around PFAS highlights a growing commitment to mitigating their environmental impact and addressing potential health risks associated with their use.
