Avermectin B1 import and manufacture conditions

Summary#

This notice, Ministerial Condition No. 22083, issued under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, lets a specific company (the “notifier”) manufacture or import a chemical called avermectin B1, 4″-(acetylamino)-4″-deoxy-, (4″R) (CAS 123997-26-2) but only under strict conditions because the government suspects it may be toxic. The conditions took effect on July 21, 2025.

What it does#

• Allows the notifier to manufacture or import the substance only for:
  • making a drug that will be exported outside Canada, or
  • making or selling a drug approved under the Food and Drugs Act for treating domestic animals and livestock.
• Prohibits releasing the substance or any waste that contains it into the environment.
• Requires the notifier to collect any waste containing the substance and either:
  • incinerate it under the laws where the incinerator is located, or
  • dispose of it in an engineered hazardous waste landfill facility under applicable laws.
• If any release occurs, the notifier must immediately stop further release, limit spread, and notify an enforcement officer or the provincial 24-hour emergency contact.
• Before giving the substance or its waste to anyone else, the notifier must:
  • inform that person in writing about these conditions, and
  • obtain written confirmation that the person was informed and will follow the rules.
• Record-keeping requirements:
  • keep records of how the substance is used and of the quantities manufactured, imported, exported, purchased, distributed, sold and used;
  • record the names and addresses of anyone who receives the substance or waste, and keep the written confirmations described above;
  • create records no later than 30 days after the information becomes available and update recipient addresses within 30 days of learning of a change;
  • keep records in English or French at the notifier’s principal place of business in Canada for at least five years; electronic records must be readable.

Who's affected#

• The primary party affected is the notifier (the company or person who supplied information about the chemical on March 26, 2025).
• Companies that make drugs for export and companies that make or sell approved veterinary drugs could be affected if they work with this notifier or use the substance.
• Waste handlers, incinerators, and hazardous-waste landfill operators who accept this material must meet the disposal rules and applicable laws.
• Anyone who receives the substance or its waste must get written notice of the conditions and agree in writing to follow them.
• Provincial enforcement officers and emergency contact services may be involved if a release happens.

Why it matters#

• The government is allowing limited use of a chemical it believes could be harmful, but only under tight controls to reduce the risk of environmental release and human or animal exposure.
• The rules let certain drug-related work continue (exports and approved veterinary drugs) while forcing strict disposal, tracking, and notification steps that improve oversight and traceability.
• For nearby communities and the environment, the notice aims to lower the chance of accidental contamination and ensure faster response if a release happens.