Canada Regulatory News

On June 17, 2023, the Canadian government put forward proposals to amend the regulations governing formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The aim of these proposed amendments is to provi...

On June 17, 2023, the Canadian government put forward proposals to amend the regulations governing formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The aim of these proposed amendments is to provide clarity on the requirements for quality control testing and record-keeping. The existing requirements, which came into effect in January 2023, were designed to closely align with the regulations set out by the United States under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Interested parties are invited to submit their comments on the proposed amendments by August 31. 

The Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations, which were officially published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on July 7, 2021, have been in force since January 7, 2023. The primary objective of the Regulations is to mitigate potential health risks associated with indoor formaldehyde exposure for Canadians. The regulations establish specific limits on acceptable formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. When present in indoor air, formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Moreover, evidence suggests that it may worsen asthma symptoms, particularly among children. 

To achieve the desired outcomes, the Regulations prohibit the importation, sale, or offering for sale of composite wood products that exceed the established limits for formaldehyde emissions. These measures aim to align with the provisions outlined in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI to the maximum extent possible. This alignment fosters regulatory harmonization and creates a level playing field internationally. 

The proposed amendments include the following: 

1. Removal of the accreditation requirement for laboratories conducting routine quality control formaldehyde emissions testing. 

2. Clarification of record-keeping obligations along the supply chain of composite wood products, with a focus on finished goods. This entails requiring a single manufacturer's declaration confirming the incorporation of certified panels into finished goods. 

3. Adjustment of the notification period for non-compliant lots, extending it from two days to 72 hours. 

4. Alignment with the requirements outlined in the February update to the TSCA formaldehyde emissions regulations in the United States. 

Legislation (S-5) to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) received consent from the Senate and royal assent on 13 June. The provisions of Bill S-5 will come into effect immediate...

Legislation (S-5) to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) received consent from the Senate and royal assent on 13 June. The provisions of Bill S-5 will come into effect immediately and the Canadian government now has two years to announce the specific requirements of the legislation.  

Bill S-5, known as the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the well-being of both the environment and the Canadian people. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), constitutes a fundamental piece of Canada's environmental legislation, aiming to combat pollution and shield the environment and its inhabitants from the detrimental consequences.   

Bill S-5 is the first significant set of amendments to CEPA in over two decades since it came to force in1999. The aims to: 

1. Enhance protection for vulnerable communities that bear the brunt of pollution's impact. 

2. Advance Indigenous reconciliation by explicitly confirming the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, encompassing the principles of free, prior, and informed consent, as well as recognizing the invaluable role of Indigenous knowledge in environmental and health-related decision-making. Moreover, these amendments introduce new reporting requirements. 

3. Mandate the development of a new Plan of Chemicals Management Priorities, strengthen the assessment of cumulative effects resulting from exposure to multiple chemicals, and establish a Watch List to facilitate the transition toward safer alternatives. 

4. Foster the development and adoption of scientifically supported alternative testing methods and strategies, reducing reliance on animal testing in favor of more humane approaches. 

5. Embed an environmental purpose within the Food and Drugs Act (FDA), facilitating the effective management of environmental risks associated with pharmaceuticals and establishing a modernized regulatory framework for drugs within an environmental context. 

The government now has until June 2025 to develop a comprehensive new plan that prioritizes chemicals for risk assessment and potential risk management. This plan will replace the chemicals management plan (CMP) from 2006, which has largely fulfilled its purpose of evaluating over 4,300 chemicals out of the 23,000 currently present in Canadian commerce. 

As per the new legislation, the government also has a two-year timeframe to establish a framework that outlines how it will incorporate the right to a healthy environment into its implementation of CEPA. This framework will encompass important concepts such as environmental justice and intergenerational equity. 

On 19 May 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada published their draft state of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) report. The report signifies a significant deve...

On 19 May 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada published their draft state of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) report. The report signifies a significant development by the Canadian government in acknowledging the potential risks posed by PFASs to human health and the environment. This collaborative effort between Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada moves the government closer to considering regulatory measures to restrict these persistent compounds. 

Based on the findings outlined in the report, which align with the toxicity criteria specified in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), the government intends to recommend adding the group of over 4,700 PFASs as a class to Schedule 1 of CEPA. This schedule lists toxic substances within the country, and if confirmed in the final report, it will pave the way for potential regulatory and non-regulatory controls on the use of PFASs, particularly in firefighting foams. The government also aims to explore avenues for reducing exposure to PFASs from other sources and products, while seeking alignment with actions taken by other jurisdictions. 

The draft report indicates the possibility of future regulatory actions not only targeting PFASs in firefighting foams but also addressing their wide usage in cosmetics, food packaging, and other products. This underscores Canada's commitment to intensifying efforts in addressing PFASs comprehensively. The country already regulates the manufacturing, import, use, and sale of specific PFASs such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs). By adopting a class-based approach, Canada aims to align its actions with those of the United States, including initiatives in Maine, as well as with the European Union's proposal to address a broader range of PFASs. In the accompanying risk management scope, the Canadian government expresses its intent to consider alignment with jurisdictions such as the EU, US, Australia, New Zealand, and others. 

Interested parties have the opportunity to provide comments on the draft report and risk management scope until 19 July. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has published a statement which confirms their plan  to issue a mandatory survey. The objective of this survey is to collect information on certain per- a...

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has published a statement which confirms their plan  to issue a mandatory survey. The objective of this survey is to collect information on certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Furthermore , this survey is going to aid the ongoing efforts to evaluate and determine potential future regulatory actions on PFASs, as well as understanding structural analogues and functional alternatives (SAFAs) under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).  

The ECCC is authorized under Section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (Cepa) to ask manufacturers and importers to provide data, including toxicological tests. The survey will be released after the ‘State of PFAS’ report, which is expected in June, and will not be included in the report.  

On 1 April 2023, the Canadian government announced that they are taking steps to limit the potential risks associated with the use of chlorocresol in cosmetics by proposing an order to add it to the l...

On 1 April 2023, the Canadian government announced that they are taking steps to limit the potential risks associated with the use of chlorocresol in cosmetics by proposing an order to add it to the list of toxic substances. This announcement was published in the Canada Gazette. The proposed order would add chlorocresol to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Stakeholders have until 31 May to provide feedback on the proposed order. After this date any subsequent risk management proposals will be subject to their own consultation process if the order is finalized. 

Chlorocresol is a biocide that is commonly used in cosmetics, non-prescription drugs and health products for skin irritations, and as a lubricant in food processing facilities. It is also registered as an active ingredient in pest control products in Canada. 

According to Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), any potential risk management actions related to chlorocresol will focus primarily on its use in cosmetics, as this is where there is concern for Canadians. In 2019, the agencies released a draft assessment which indicated that chlorocresol, when used in moisturizers and lotions, may have adverse effects on the adrenal glands. The finding was confirmed two years later, prompting the recommendation to add chlorocresol to Schedule 1 and to include it on Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist as a prohibited or restricted substance. 

On 11 March 2023 the Canadian Government announced new ministerial conditions on the manufacture and import of the cosmetic and coating ingredient of 1-propanaminium, n-(3-aminopropyl)-2-hydroxy-n,n-d...

On 11 March 2023 the Canadian Government announced new ministerial conditions on the manufacture and import of the cosmetic and coating ingredient of 1-propanaminium, n-(3-aminopropyl)-2-hydroxy-n,n-dimethyl-3-sulfo-, n-(C12-18 and C18-unsatd. acyl) derivatives, inner salts. This substance has a variety of uses in the industry including cosmetics, adhesives and sealants, coatings, and biocides.

Based on these new ministerial conditions, importing or manufacturing of mentioned substance for use in leave-on cosmetics where the chemical is present at a concentration greater than 0.6% by weight is forbidden. This restriction applies to the company which requested this substance to be added to the domestic substance list (DSL).

Furthermore, based on the announced condition the contaminants would be also limited, which would only allow importers or manufacturers to import the substance in the two scenarios which are mentioned below.

1. The concentration of 1,3-propanediamine, n,n-dimethyl- in the substance should be less than 0.01% by weight

2. The concentration of fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamine (amidoamine) impurities in the substance should be less than or equal to 1.5% by weight.

For further inquiries in Canada cosmetic compliance, please contact us at compliance@gpcregulatory.com

The Canadian government has announced that four ethers have been cleared from the toxic list under section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999). These four4 substances are used ...

The Canadian government has announced that four ethers have been cleared from the toxic list under section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999). These four4 substances are used in a variety of industries including; oil, aviation, air fresheners, cleaning products, fuels, and automotive. These substances are cleared from the toxic list due to lack of evidence that they could cause any harmful risk to the environment and general public health.  

The four ethers substances are mentioned below.  

• diethyl ether (DEE);  

• diphenyl ether (DPE);  

• dimethyl ether (DME); and  

• dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DPGME).  

Furthermore, the Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have announced that they won't take any further regulatory action for these four substances.