Restrictions on Glycolipids in Soaps and Cosmetics

Summary#

The Department of the Environment has issued a variation to Significant New Activity Notice No. 21436 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The notice sets rules that require companies to tell the government at least 90 days before they start using the substance glycolipids, rhamnose-containing, Pseudomonas putida‑fermented, from D-glucose, potassium salts (CAS RN 2122153‑41‑5) in certain consumer products at concentrations above 2% by weight. The notice is in force.

What it does#

• Defines the specific substance as glycolipids, rhamnose‑containing, Pseudomonas putida‑fermented, from D‑glucose, potassium salts (CAS RN 2122153‑41‑5).
• Says a "significant new activity" includes using the substance in the manufacture of, or distributing for sale in, products where the substance is present above 2% by weight, specifically:
  • a cosmetic (except oral cosmetics like toothpaste or mouthwash),
  • a liquid laundry soap or liquid laundry detergent that is a consumer product,
  • a hand dish soap or hand dish detergent.
• Exempts certain uses from the notice:
  • use as a research and development substance,
  • use as a site‑limited intermediate,
  • manufacture of products that are for export only.
• Requires anyone planning a covered activity to submit a notification to the Minister at least 90 days before starting. Required information includes:
  • a description of the planned activity and anticipated annual quantity,
  • the substance’s function in the product,
  • data to assess eye irritation at concentrations greater than 2% by weight and less than 9% by weight,
  • other available toxicity, exposure, and regulatory information,
  • contact information and a signed certification of accuracy.
• States that studies for eye irritation must follow OECD Good Laboratory Practice, and that the government will assess the notification within 90 days of receiving the information.
• Clarifies that people who receive the substance already contained in a consumer product or cosmetic do not have to be separately notified.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and formulators of cosmetics, liquid laundry soaps/detergents, and hand dish soaps/detergents who might use the named substance at concentrations above 2% by weight.
• Importers and distributors who bring such products into Canada or sell them here.
• Testing laboratories and companies that will need to supply GLP‑quality eye irritation and other data.
• Not affected (by this notice): activities limited to research and development, site‑limited intermediates, or products made only for export.
• The notice does not state specific effects on small businesses; who exactly will be required to notify depends on whether they plan one of the listed uses.

Why it matters#

• The government suspects that using this substance in the listed ways could create risks to human health or the environment. That is why companies must provide safety and exposure data before starting those uses.
• For businesses this means potential extra testing, paperwork, and a minimum waiting period of 90 days for review—possible costs and delays before bringing products to market or changing formulations.
• For consumers, it aims to ensure a formal assessment of safety before the substance is used more broadly in everyday products like soaps and cosmetics.