Single-use Plastic Prohibition: Plastic Ring Carriers

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) would like to inform vendors that the Government of Canada recently published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) in the Canada Gazette, Part II.  Of note to vendors, SUPPR prohibits the manufacture, import, export, and sale of single-use plastic ring carriers.

The ban will be implemented in stages to allow industry time to adapt. The manufacturing and import of single-use plastic ring carriers for sale in Canada will be prohibited one year after registration of SUPPR (June 20, 2023).  The prohibition of the sale of beverage alcohol packaged in single-use plastic ring carriers will come into force two years after registration of SUPPR (June 20, 2024).

The LDB recommends that vendors review the Government of Canada’s announcement and the published regulations to consider the impact of the regulations on their products and processes. Vendors are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring that products manufactured, imported, and sold within the province must comply with all applicable laws.

To help manufacturers transition away from single-use plastics, the Government of Canada has developed a guidance document outlining important considerations to take into account when selecting alternative products. 

Inquiries about SUPPR or Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) should be directed to ECCC via their website.

For questions specific to the LDB contact: ldbagentinfo@bcdlb.com.