Controls on glycolipid use in consumer products

Summary#

The government has issued Significant New Activity Notice No. 21436a under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 for the substance glycolipids, rhamnose-contg., Pseudomonas putida-fermented, from D-glucose, potassium salts (CAS RN 2122153-41-5). The notice, published on November 1, 2025, requires companies to tell the government and provide safety information before using this substance in certain consumer products at higher concentrations.

What it does#

• It defines a "significant new activity" for the named substance as using it in the manufacture of a product when the substance is present at more than 2% by weight:
  • a cosmetic other than an oral cosmetic;
  • a liquid laundry soap or liquid laundry detergent that is a consumer product;
  • a hand dish soap or hand dish detergent.
• It also treats the distribution for sale of those products as a significant new activity.
• If you want to carry out a significant new activity, you must send a Significant New Activity Notification (SNAN) to the Minister of the Environment at least 90 days before starting. Required information includes:
  • a description of the activity and the anticipated annual quantity;
  • the function of the substance in the product;
  • eye‑irritation test data for concentrations from greater than 2% up to less than 9% by weight;
  • summaries of other toxicity and exposure data the notifier has access to.
• Studies must follow OECD Good Laboratory Practice (the Mutual Acceptance of Data principles adopted May 12, 1981). The ministers will assess a complete submission within 90 days of receiving it.
• Uses that are not covered include research and development, site‑limited intermediate uses, export‑only products, and uses already regulated under the Pest Control Products Act, Fertilizers Act or Feeds Act.
• When the substance is transferred inside a finished consumer product or cosmetic, people who receive physical possession generally do not have to submit a separate notification.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and formulators who make cosmetics (non‑oral), liquid laundry soaps/detergents sold as consumer products, and hand dish soaps/detergents if they use this substance above 2%.
• Importers, distributors and retailers of those finished products may need to check supplier information and documentation.
• Companies planning to start new uses of the substance in Canada — including new product launches — because they must notify the government in advance.
• Not affected (in most cases): firms using the substance only for research and development, as a site‑limited intermediate, or solely for export.

Why it matters#

• If you plan to sell consumer products in Canada that contain this substance above 2%, you now have to file information and wait for a government assessment. That can delay launches and add testing or paperwork costs.
• The rule is aimed at spotting risks before large‑scale use. If the government’s assessment finds health or environmental risks, further restrictions or controls could follow.
• Retailers and supply chains should check formulations and supplier declarations so they know whether a product falls under the notice.