New Saskatchewan Electronics Stewardship Rules
If your business manufactures, imports, distributes, or sells electronic products in Saskatchewan, the updated Electronic Equipment Stewardship Program regulations (OC 386/2025) may bring new responsibilities and opportunities. These changes expand product coverage, clarify producer obligations, and introduce higher transparency—all of which could affect your compliance and operations.
What is the Electronic Equipment Stewardship Program?
The Electronic Equipment Stewardship Program is Saskatchewan’s system for recycling and safely managing used electronics, including computers, televisions, and printers. Oversight is provided by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, which requires manufacturers, importers, and retailers to participate in an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
This framework is based on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), meaning companies are accountable for the lifecycle of products they sell. You can find a straightforward explanation of EPR here, and learn how similar laws work elsewhere here.
The Saskatchewan government launched the program by regulation in 2006 to reduce landfill waste and ensure responsible recycling. The Ministry of Environment writes and updates the stewardship regulations—including the new rules in OC 386/2025—while delegating day-to-day operations to PROs.
When Does This Take Effect?
The updated regulations came into force on October 1, 2025, with a 120-day transition period for producers, importers, and retailers to register and submit their product stewardship plan to the Minister for approval. All obligated businesses must either join an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) or develop and apply for ministerial approval of their own product stewardship program within this timeframe.
What Has Changed in 2025?
- The list of covered products now includes cell phones, power tools, and small appliances. This means more types of electronics must be managed responsibly and tracked under the program.
- The definition of responsible parties now explicitly identifies “producers” to include all sellers, importers, and online businesses, clarifying who must join the program.
- Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) are required to set targets and publish annual performance reports, providing better visibility into program effectiveness.
- Batteries are not included in this regulation’s definition of electronic equipment. Battery stewardship is handled separately under other regulations or programs.
How Will Changes to the Electronic Equipment Stewardship Program in Saskatchewan Affect Electronics Manufacturers and Brands?
These updates align Saskatchewan’s stewardship requirements with national and international standards. Clearer reporting expectations and expanded product coverage mean your business may need to update compliance systems and track a broader set of devices. Effective data management is now even more critical for meeting Saskatchewan’s electronics recycling and reporting obligations.
This regulation is about more than meeting legal requirements—it provides a framework for reducing waste, improving recycling rates, and helping your business demonstrate environmental leadership.
What To Do Next If Your Products Are Affected by Regulation Changes
With the new regulations now in effect, producers, importers, and retailers who sell designated electronic products in Saskatchewan must apply to the Minister of Environment for approval of their product stewardship plan before the transition period expires on January 29, 2026. Businesses may either join an existing approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) like EPRA, or propose their own program, but all plans must meet the standards outlined in OC 386/2025 and receive ministerial approval.
Timely submission and approval of your stewardship plan are essential for compliance and for continued operations in Saskatchewan’s electronics market. Late applications risk regulatory penalties and disruptions.
Saskatchewan Electronic Equipment Stewardship Program: Prepare for Compliance and Opportunity
Producers and businesses operating in Saskatchewan are encouraged to begin preparations now to meet the obligations under the updated Electronic Equipment Stewardship Program regulations (OC 386/2025). While the expanded regulatory scope and new reporting requirements may seem complex at first, they offer clear opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and environmental stewardship.
At RLG, we partner with businesses to simplify compliance and reduce administrative burdens. Our Environmental Compliance Management services include:
- Detailed Obligation Assessments
- Registration with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)
- Data Collection and Validation
- Comprehensive Reporting and Submissions
- Ongoing Regulatory Monitoring and Support
- Strategic Guidance to Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes
RLG is committed to providing expert guidance at every stage. Whether you require support gathering data, understanding your responsibilities, or navigating evolving program requirements, our team ensures you can approach Saskatchewan’s Electronic Equipment Stewardship Program with clarity and confidence.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws are subject to interpretation and change without notice, so always consult with professional advisors and refer to primary sources. Content is accurate as of publication date but may not be regularly updated.
