On 15 January 2026, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a four-month extension to the transition periods under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This shifts the U.S. compliance deadline for hazardous mixtures from 19 July 2027 to 19 November 2027. This change directly affects companies operating across the Canada–U.S. supply chain.
In Canada, the three-year transition period to align product classifications, safety data sheets (SDSs), and labels with the amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) ended on 14 December 2025. As of 15 December 2025, all hazardous products placed on the Canadian market must be fully compliant with the amended HPR.
Compliance Promotion Aligned with Extended U.S. Timeline
Recognizing the operational realities of cross-border trade, Health Canada confirmed that it will continue to focus on promoting compliance with the HPR until the end of the applicable U.S. transition period, now extended to 19 November 2027, as part of the Government of Canada’s red tape reduction efforts. Health Canada emphasized that it retains the authority to take enforcement action at any time, where warranted, to induce or compel compliance with the HPR.
Continued Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation
Health Canada reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives of the Canada–U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council, including aligned implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in both countries. The Department will continue to support Canadian businesses in meeting their regulatory obligations during the extended alignment period.
What This Means for Industry
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