Carbon Nanotube Conditions; Spotted Owl Habitat; RSS-193

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice publishes three government items. It allows, with conditions, the manufacture or import of a specific type of carbon nanotube; it announces that critical habitat for the Spotted Owl caurina subspecies in the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area will receive a higher level of protection; and it announces the publication of RSS-193, Issue 1, a technical standard for equipment in the 27.5–28.35 GHz band.

What it does#

• Carbon nanotubes

  • Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of the Environment (with the Minister of Health) permits the manufacture or import of a specific non-functionalized agglomerated multi-walled carbon nanotube (Confidential Substance Identity Number 19779-7) but only if the conditions in the notice are met.
  • The substance is described as at least 95% elemental carbon, with a surface area of 150 m2/g to 300 m2/g, and “small-gauge” length and diameter after dispersion.
  • Main restrictions include:
    • No use or inclusion in consumer products that can create respiratory particles by spray, aerosol, or mist.
    • Coating products may not contain the substance above 0.01% by weight.
    • Structural building materials may not contain the substance above 0.06% by weight.
  • The notifier (the company that provided required information on March 6, 2025) must only transfer the substance to people who agree to the conditions, keep detailed records, and immediately act and notify authorities if there is an environmental release.
  • These ministerial conditions came into force on July 10, 2025.

• Spotted Owl critical habitat

  • Under the Species at Risk Act, the notice says subsection 58(1) will apply to the critical habitat for the Spotted Owl caurina subspecies found in the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area.
  • That protection takes effect 90 days after this publication (the notice was published July 26, 2025).

• Radio equipment standard

  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada published RSS-193, Issue 1, Flexible Use Broadband Equipment Operating in the Band 27.5–28.35 GHz.
  • The document sets certification requirements for fixed and mobile broadband equipment that operate in that band and is now an official standard (notice dated July 11, 2025). Comments can be sent via the department’s Standard Change Request process.

Who's affected#

• Carbon nanotube item
  • Manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and downstream users of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (especially the notifier company).
  • Companies making consumer products, coatings, or building materials that might use these nanotubes.
  • Workers handling the material and environmental health and safety officers who must track, store, transfer, or respond to releases.
• Spotted Owl item
  • Land managers, conservation groups, and anyone planning activities in or near the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area.
  • Local governments and agencies involved in protection or permitting in that area.
• Radio standard
  • Telecom equipment manufacturers, certification labs, and network operators interested in using or selling gear for the 27.5–28.35 GHz band.
  • Regulators and testing authorities who apply certification rules.

Why it matters#

• The carbon nanotube conditions limit certain uses and add tracking and reporting rules. That aims to reduce risks of worker exposure and environmental release. Companies using these materials may need to change product formulations, update contracts, or improve record-keeping and emergency plans.
• Giving critical habitat protection to the Spotted Owl in Widgeon Valley adds legal safeguards that can affect land use and development there. This matters to anyone with projects or activities in that protected area and to people concerned about old-growth forest conservation.
• Publishing RSS-193 provides a clear technical path for certifying equipment in a high-frequency band used for advanced broadband services. That helps manufacturers know what tests and approvals are needed and can speed deployment of services in that spectrum.