Some Business You Can’t Afford to Do
Dealing with Imported Doors/Door Components
Valued Members,
As you are aware, there have been significant inroads made in the Canadian marketplace by Asian manufactured garage door sections. We are aware of specific evidence that a number of these products do not meet required Canadian safety criteria laid out in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act of 1999.
Please review below the specific risks the garage door industry faces when using or distributing products that do not comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). As a cornerstone of Canada’s environmental legislation, CEPA regulates substances that may pose risks to the environment and human health. Given the industry’s reliance on materials such as insulation foams, coatings, lubricants, and electronic components, non-compliance can carry serious consequences.
1. Regulatory and Legal Liability
Garage door manufacturers, distributors, and installers using non-compliant materials—such as certain polyurethane foams, paints containing VOCs, or components with banned flame retardants—are subject to penalties under CEPA. These include product seizures, mandatory recalls, and very significant fines up to for corporate offenders. Very large fines can be imposed for retribution and deterrence and to deprive the offender from any benefit from an offence. Many imported components may also fall short of CEPA standards, making due diligence across the supply chain critical.
2. Disruption to Business Operations
If a product is found to contain a CEPA-regulated substance, its use or sale may be halted immediately. This can result in production shutdowns, delayed installations, and lost contracts—particularly for companies supplying government or environmentally certified projects. Replacement of non-compliant parts or reformulation of materials on short notice can also lead to increased operational costs.
3. Reputational Harm
Consumers and commercial buyers are increasingly aware of environmental compliance. Non-conformance with CEPA 1999 can damage a company’s reputation, especially if it results in publicized enforcement action. Trust in product safety, environmental stewardship, and long-term reliability may be eroded—factors that influence buying decisions in both residential and commercial segments.
4. Environmental and Health Hazards
Garage doors and openers often include chemical substances in finishes, glues, motor lubricants, or insulation. If these contain CEPA-listed toxic substances, improper handling or disposal can lead to environmental contamination or indoor air quality issues. This increases liability for cleanup costs or legal claims related to health effects.
5. Missed Strategic Opportunities
CEPA compliance also opens doors—pun intended—to green building certifications like LEED, sustainable procurement contracts, and eco-labelling programs. Non-compliant companies risk being excluded from these growing segments and losing competitive advantage in an evolving market.
Conclusion
For the garage door industry, aligning products and practices with CEPA 1999 is both a legal requirement and a business advantage. It reduces risk, builds trust, and enables access to environmentally conscious consumers and projects. Companies should review material inputs, engage with compliant suppliers, and stay up to date with CEPA’s evolving substance lists to ensure ongoing compliance.
In the coming weeks, we will be providing more detail on each of the points listed above – be sure to look for these emails!
Sincerely,
Your CDI National Board of Directors
