Canada has supported the International Maritime Organization’s initiative to ban organotin Anti-fouling paints. 

A conference to adopt the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 was held in October 2001. The Convention proposes to ensure a global prohibition of the application or re-application of organotin compounds which act as biocides in anti-fouling systems on ships as of January 1, 2003. After January 1, 2008, organotin compounds on ships must either be removed or sealed. The Convention also establishes procedures for implementing controls for any other harmful systems that are identified in the future.

The sale and use of products such as organotin paints are regulated by Health Canada. There are only 3 tin paint products registered for use in Canada. The term of registration is for one year, and is reviewed annually. Preliminary written plans to voluntarily phase out these products have been provided to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The PMRA Special Review Announcement (SRA) indicates that all registrations/use will cease effective December 31, 2002 (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/sra/sra2000-01-e.pdf).

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