Significant New Activity for C4–8 Alkanes

Summary#

The government has issued Significant New Activity No. 21755 for the chemical alkanes, C4-8‑branched and linear (CAS 2529890-37-5) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. People who want to start using this substance in cosmetics or other consumer products above certain amounts must tell the federal government in advance and provide health and exposure information.

What it does#

• Declares a “significant new activity” when the substance is used in the manufacture or sold distribution of a cosmetic or a consumer product (not as a fuel additive) at a concentration greater than 1% by weight.
• Requires anyone planning such an activity to submit a Significant New Activity Notification (SNAN) at least 90 days before starting.
• Specifies the kinds of information to include with the SNAN, such as:
  • the planned annual quantity;
  • product function, concentration and instructions for use;
  • exposure and release details (how it will be stored, transported, disposed, and where it might be released);
  • toxicity testing to address reproductive and developmental effects for both dermal and inhalation exposure (for example the testing approaches in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines, e.g. Test No. 421);
  • any other data or studies the notifier has access to.
• The government will assess the submitted information within 90 days of receiving it.
• Provides a transitional period: between publication and August 10, 2025, the rule only applies if the use or sale involves more than 100 kg of the substance in a product at > 1% by weight; after August 11, 2025, the lower 100 kg threshold is removed.
• Excludes certain uses from the notice, such as research and development, site‑limited intermediates, export‑only products, and activities already covered by other federal laws (e.g., Pest Control Products Act).

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, importers and formulators of cosmetics and consumer products that might contain this chemical at concentrations above 1% by weight.
• Distributors and sellers who bring such products to market in Canada.
• Companies that handle larger quantities (above 100 kg during the transitional period) will need to act sooner.
• It may also affect suppliers and downstream users who rely on ingredient lists and safety data sheets to know whether notification is needed.
• If it is unclear whether a specific use counts as a “significant new activity,” the notice itself says people should rely on information they have or can reasonably access.

Why it matters#

• The rule is designed to gather information before the substance is used more widely in products that people apply to skin or breathe near. Federal officials flagged potential reproductive and developmental concerns from dermal and inhalation exposure.
• For companies, it means extra paperwork, possible testing and a wait for government review before launching or expanding such uses. That can affect product development timelines and costs.
• For consumers, the notice aims to make sure potential health risks are assessed before the chemical is used at higher levels in everyday products.