New Controls on Two Chemical Substances

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice contains two Environment Department actions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

• Ministerial Condition No. 22468 allows one company (the notifier) to manufacture or import a specific siloxane (CAS 915223-67-5) but only under written conditions and record-keeping rules that took effect March 30, 2026.
• Significant New Activity Notice No. 22295 adds reporting and testing rules for a different substance (CAS 155633-54-8) when it is used in consumer products or cosmetics; people must submit information at least 90 days before such new uses, and a temporary rule applies until April 18, 2027.

What it does#

• Ministerial Condition No. 22468 (siloxane, CAS 915223-67-5)

  • Lets the notifier manufacture or import the substance, but only under the listed conditions.
  • Requires immediate action and notification if the substance is accidentally released to the environment (including contacting local emergency phone services).
  • Requires the notifier to tell anyone they transfer the substance to, in writing, about these conditions and to get a written promise to follow them.
  • Requires keeping records of use, quantities, buyers, and confirmations. Records must be kept in Canada for at least five years, updated within 30 days when addresses change, and created within 30 days of when the information is available.
  • Came into force on March 30, 2026.

• Significant New Activity Notice No. 22295 (phenolic/siloxane-related substance, CAS 155633-54-8)

  • Declares that certain new uses are “significant new activities” that trigger mandatory advance notice and data sharing.
  • A significant new activity includes using the substance in the manufacture or sale of:
    • a consumer product, or
    • a cosmetic, except a face cream with the substance at 6.5% by weight or less.
  • Exemptions include research and development, site-limited intermediates, and export-only products.
  • For any proposed significant new activity, the notifier must provide detailed information at least 90 days before starting. Required information includes intended uses, amounts expected per year, concentrations in products, exposure estimates (including whether products are for children), and toxicity data — including a two‑generation reproduction toxicity study following OECD rules.
  • Studies must follow OECD principles of good laboratory practice.
  • Transitional rule: between publication and April 18, 2027, the rule applies only if the use or distribution involves more than 100 kg in a year.
  • The notice is in force on publication; the ministers will assess submitted information within 90 days of receipt.

Who's affected#

• Companies that manufacture, import, distribute or use these specific chemicals:
  • The named notifier for Ministerial Condition No. 22468 (the person who submitted information on February 3, 2026) is directly regulated.
  • Chemical manufacturers and importers handling CAS 915223-67-5 or CAS 155633-54-8.
  • Makers and sellers of consumer products and cosmetics that might contain CAS 155633-54-8.
  • Laboratories and testing firms that would conduct the required toxicity studies under OECD standards.
  • Retailers and final consumers are indirectly affected because product availability, labelling or schedules could change.
• If it is unclear whether a specific product or company is affected, the notice requires that the company check the chemical identity and the defined uses and, if needed, contact Environment Canada for clarification.

Why it matters#

• These measures are meant to reduce the chance that the two substances enter the Canadian market or the environment without an assessment of health and environmental risks.
• For businesses, the notices add upfront obligations: more testing, record-keeping, and advance notification. That can delay product launches and increase costs.
• For the public, the rules aim to improve safety for consumers (including children) and reduce accidental releases to the environment by forcing better tracking, emergency response, and risk information before wider use.
• The transitional allowance (uses up to 100 kg until April 18, 2027) gives some short-term flexibility but still requires planning if companies want to scale up.