SNAc Notices for Two Ester Substances

Summary#

The government published two final Significant New Activity (SNAc) notices under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 on May 2, 2026. The notices set rules that require companies to notify and provide health and environmental data before using two specific chemicals in consumer products or cosmetics at or above 0.1% by weight.

What it does#

• Applies the SNAc rules to:
  • Significant New Activity Notice No. 22262 for alkanedioic acid, di‑branched alkyl ester (Confidential Substance Identity Number 19814-2).
  • Significant New Activity Notice No. 22263/22318 for hexanedioic acid, 1,6‑diisotridecyl ester (CAS 26401-35-4).
• The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health suspect that new uses could make the substances meet the law’s test for being toxic. Because of that, companies must tell the government and give data before certain new uses begin.
• A "significant new activity" under these notices means:
  • Using the substance to make a consumer product (except machine lubricants) or a cosmetic when the substance is present at or above 0.1% by weight; or
  • Distributing for sale a product that contains the substance at or above 0.1% by weight.
• Exceptions (not considered significant new activity):
  • Use as a research and development substance.
  • Use as a site‑limited intermediate.
  • Manufacture of products that are for export only.
  • Uses already regulated under the Pest Control Products Act, Fertilizers Act, or Feeds Act.
• Information companies must provide at least 90 days before starting a covered activity includes (bulleted highlights):
  • A description of the planned activity and the annual quantity to be used.
  • Chemical identity (name, CAS number if available), trade names and any safety data sheets.
  • Whether the product is intended for children and details on expected direct human exposure (concentration, frequency, duration, route).
  • Description of product(s), intended use, and concentration of the substance.
  • Toxicity information focused on reproductive and developmental effects (OECD test methods are referenced).
  • Dermal penetration data relevant to intended use.
  • Any other studies or information the notifier has access to.
  • Contact information and a signed certification that the information is complete.
• Any studies on toxicity or skin penetration must follow OECD good laboratory practice standards. The government aims to complete its review within 90 days after receiving the required information.
• Transitional rules until May 2, 2027:
  • For the confidential‑ID substance, a use becomes a significant new activity if it involves more than 100 kg per year at concentrations ≥ 0.1% by weight.
  • For the CAS‑listed substance, the trigger in the transitional period is more than 1,000 kg per year at concentrations ≥ 0.1% by weight.
• Transfers of a product to a final consumer (for example, a finished cosmetic bought by a person) do not trigger a notification requirement for the recipient.

Who's affected#

• Companies that make, import, formulate, distribute or sell consumer products or cosmetics that might contain these substances at 0.1% by weight or more.
• Chemical suppliers and product formulators who plan to introduce new uses of these substances in Canada.
• Retailers and final consumers are generally not required to submit notifications when they buy finished products.
• It is unclear from the notices how many products currently contain the confidential substance or which businesses already use it.

Why it matters#

• These notices mean certain uses of the two chemicals cannot start in Canada without a formal review. That can delay or change product plans for companies.
• Companies will likely need to gather or generate toxicity and exposure data before putting affected products on the market. That can add time and cost.
• The measure is meant to protect human health and the environment by checking potentially risky new uses—especially products that could expose people directly, including children.
• If you work with chemicals or make consumer products, you should check whether these notices apply to your ingredients or formulations and plan for the 90‑day notification and data requirements.