MONTREAL, Nov. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canadians are committed to living in a safe and healthy environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers work across the country to make sure that businesses and individuals comply with the laws that protect our land and natural resources. By helping protect the quality of our air, land, and natural resources, they help preserve a sustainable environment for future generations while supporting a strong and sustainable economy.

On Novembre 9, 2026, Literies Universelles Paga Inc. pleaded guilty in the Court of Québec to one count of violating the Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations (the Regulations). The violation involves the import of liquid air fresheners, specifically reed diffusers, with concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that exceed the limit allowed by the Regulations. Literies Universelles Paga Inc. was ordered to pay a fine of $100,000, as well as an additional fine of $66,948.39, which corresponds to the assessment of the cost of the imported goods, the reed diffusers. The total fine will be directed to the Government of Canada's Environmental Damages Fund.

In 2025, during inspections at a retail store, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers sampled reed diffusers. Laboratory analysis of the samples collected found VOC concentrations between 32.5% and 93.7%. The limit allowed for this type of product is 18%. The officers' work determined that these products, which were available in retail stores, had been imported in July 2024 by Literies Universelles Paga Inc., a retailer and wholesaler supplier. By importing a product in a product category with a VOC concentration that exceeds the limit allowed by the Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations, Literies Universelles Paga Inc. contravened subsection 3(1) of the Regulations.

As a result of this conviction, the company's name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect the natural environment.

Quick facts

• Volatile organic compounds are organic chemical substances that can evaporate into the air. They contribute to the formation of ozone and organic aerosols, which are two components of smog. Smog is known to have adverse effects on human health and the environment.
• The Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations apply to manufacturers and importers and sets concentration limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for approximately 130 product categories and subcategories. The Regulations prohibit the manufacture and import of products with VOCs that exceed the regulatory limits for their respective category, unless a permit is obtained.
• Types of products include personal care products, automotive and household maintenance products, adhesives, adhesive removers, sealants and caulking products, and other miscellaneous products. The product categories and their concentration limits for volatile organic compounds are listed in the Schedule of the Regulations.
• The Regulations are under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which governs various environmental issues, such as air and water pollution, waste management, and toxic substances.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers conduct inspections and investigations under the Act. They ensure that organizations and individuals comply with applicable environmental protection laws.
• Created in 1995, the Environmental Damages Fund is a Government of Canada program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Fund directs monies received from fines, penalties, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will repair environmental damage or benefit the environment. The Fund aims to invest in areas where the environmental damage caused by the violation has occurred.

Associated links

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations
• Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer and Commercial Products
• Environmental Enforcement Inspections
• Environmental Damages Fund
• Environmental Offenders Registry
• Report Pollution Incidents or Wildlife Crimes

Environment and Climate Change Canada's X page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada