Carbon Nanotube Import Permission and Owl Habitat Protection

Summary#

The federal government issued a ministerial condition that allows the manufacture or import of a specific form of carbon nanotubes — described as non‑functionalized agglomerated multi‑walled carbon nanotubes, Confidential Substance Identity Number 19779-7 — but only under strict limits and record-keeping rules. The Canada Gazette also says that critical habitat for the Spotted Owl caurina inside the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area will receive added protection under the Species at Risk Act 90 days after this publication (July 26, 2025).

What it does#

• For the carbon nanotube substance (described as at least 95% elemental carbon, with surface area 150 m2/g to 300 m2/g):
  • The Minister of the Environment permits one notifier to manufacture or import it, but only under the new ministerial conditions that came into force on July 10, 2025.
  • Prohibits use or import of the substance in consumer products that can create respiratory particles through spray, aerosol, or mist.
  • Limits the substance in coating products to 0.01% by weight or less, and in structural building materials to 0.06% by weight or less.
  • Requires that the substance be transferred only to people who agree in writing to follow the conditions.
  • Requires immediate action and notification if any release to the environment occurs.
  • Requires the notifier to keep records (uses, quantities, recipients, disposal details and confirmations) and retain them for at least 5 years at their Canadian principal place of business.
• For the Spotted Owl caurina:
  • The critical habitat identified in the amended recovery strategy that lies within the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area will be covered by subsection 58(1) of the Species at Risk Act starting 90 days after this publication (July 26, 2025). This means the statutory protection tied to that subsection will apply to the habitat in the wildlife area after that period.

Who's affected#

• The unnamed notifier (the company or person who filed the required information on March 6, 2025) and any business that manufactures, imports, sells, or uses this specific carbon nanotube material in Canada.
• Manufacturers of consumer spray or aerosol products, makers of coatings, and producers of structural building materials who might otherwise use this material.
• Organizations or people who would receive, handle, transport, store, or dispose of the substance (they must agree in writing to the conditions).
• Anyone involved in planning or carrying out activities in the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area, and groups interested in protection and recovery of the Spotted Owl caurina.

Why it matters#

• The nanotube conditions aim to reduce the chance that the material becomes airborne in everyday products, which could lower health and inhalation risks for workers and the public. They also establish tracking and spill-response requirements so releases can be contained and traced.
• Setting clear limits for coatings and building materials helps companies know whether they can use this material and under what conditions.
• Extending subsection 58(1) protections to critical habitat inside the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area gives stronger, clearer legal backing to habitat protections for the endangered Spotted Owl caurina, which can affect permitted activities and management inside that federally protected area.
• The Gazette notice does not name the notifier publicly and does not change protections outside the described wildlife area.