Lead-acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery commonly found in vehicles, industrial equipment, and back-up power supplies. When these batteries can no longer be used and are sent for recycling, they are considered hazardous recyclable materials (HRM) under the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations (XBR). This is because they contain hazardous substances such as lead and sulphuric acid. If you intend to import or export used lead-acid batteries (HS 854911) or their components to another country or move them within Canada, then the XBR may apply to you. | |
Most countries, including Canada, require permits and movement documents prior to the transboundary movement of used lead-acid batteries. This ensures that shipments are managed in an environmentally sound manner by all parties involved in their transportation and recycling. The permit and documentation requirements prescribed in the XBR align with two main international agreements that address the import and export of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable materials:
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| Please note that the XBR prescribes who can hold permits for international shipments of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials. For more information, please refer to Sections 7 (Import Permit Applicant) and 19 (Export Permit Applicant) of the XBR. | |
For more information on obtaining an import or export permit free of charge, please contact the Waste Reduction and Management Division (WRMD) at [email protected]. For more information on movement documents, including information on a shipment that has already left your facility, please contact the Movement Tracking Unit at [email protected]. | |
| Carriers must be able to provide cross-border documentation | |
Under the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations (XBR), authorized carriers must be able to produce the following documentation for all shipments of hazardous waste (HW) and hazardous recyclable material (HRM) crossing the Canadian border:
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The permit specifies the types and volumes of material approved for shipment, the authorized carriers, the applicable border crossings, and the period of validity. The movement document records the shipment details and is essential for tracking the HW or HRM from its origin to its authorized facility of destination. In some cases, competent authorities in the country of destination or transit may grant consent subject to additional conditions. These conditions are listed in an additional document, often referred to as a “letter of conditions.” Paragraphs 14(1)(a) and 26(1)(a) of the XBR state that shipments must be in accordance with the permit. The letter of conditions is considered to form part of the permit. All conditions associated with the permit must be respected for the permit holder to be compliant. Carriers must produce the permit and movement document when required to do so, to demonstrate compliance. Permit holders are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure shipments are carried out in compliance with the XBR, including respecting any conditions linked to their permit. Permit holders must also submit a Confirmation of Disposal or Recycling (CDR), which verifies that the operation on the HW or HRM has been completed in accordance with XBR requirements. For more information, please refer to the previous bulletin. | |
| Your tool for requesting permits and tracking hazardous waste movements | |
| The Canadian Notification and Movement Tracking System (CNMTS) is the secure online system used to manage the movement of hazardous waste and recyclable materials across borders. | |
In the notification module, you can:
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Once your account is set up, you can quickly reuse your saved information. In the movement module, you can:
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| The CNMTS is also regularly updated to fix issues, improve performance, and stay aligned with international and regulatory requirements. External users can request access to a test environment at [email protected] to try out new features and share feedback before updates are released. | |
Topic(s)
Other Government Departments (OGDs) Requirements
Exports
Information source
Other Government Departments (OGDs)
Disclaimer
The foregoing information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered, professional advice or a substitute for conducting your own thorough research and review. Before making any decisions or taking any action based on the information provided, you should conduct your own independent investigation and/or seek professional advice from a qualified expert in the relevant field. The CSCB disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided.