New rules for rhamnose-containing glycolipids

Summary#

This notice, Significant New Activity Notice No. 21436a, updates rules under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 for the substance glycolipids, rhamnose-contg., Pseudomonas putida-fermented, from D-glucose, potassium salts (2122153-41-5). It is published in the Canada Gazette on November 1, 2025 and is in force; people who want to use the substance in certain consumer products now have to notify and provide specific safety and exposure information ahead of time.

What it does#

• Replaces the Annex to the earlier notice and sets a new definition of a “significant new activity” for this substance.
• Declares these uses a significant new activity when the substance is present at concentrations greater than 2% by weight:
  • manufacture of a cosmetic (except oral cosmetics);
  • manufacture of a liquid laundry soap or liquid laundry detergent that is a consumer product;
  • manufacture of a hand dish soap or hand dish detergent.
• Also covers the distribution for sale of any of the above products that contain the substance above 2%.
• Exempts these uses from the notice if the substance is:
  • used as a research and development substance or a site-limited intermediate; or
  • used in a product that is for export only.
• Requires anyone planning a covered use to submit a notification to the Minister at least 90 days before starting the activity. Required information includes (among other things):
  • a description of the planned use and the anticipated annual quantity;
  • data listed in referenced schedules of the New Substances Notification Regulations;
  • the function of the substance in the product;
  • eye irritation testing at concentrations from greater than 2% up to less than 9% by weight;
  • a summary of all relevant test data and any government assessments elsewhere;
  • contact details and a signed certification that the information is complete.
• Says studies on eye irritation must follow OECD good laboratory practices and that the Ministers will assess the submitted information within 90 days of receiving a complete file.
• States that people who receive the substance already contained in a consumer product or cosmetic do not need a separate notification at the time of transfer.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, formulators, and importers who use or plan to use the named substance in cosmetics (non-oral), liquid laundry products, or hand dish soaps at concentrations above 2%.
• Distributors and retailers who sell products containing the substance above 2% may also be affected because their suppliers must notify and comply.
• Laboratories and contract testing services that perform required eye irritation and other toxicity studies.
• Researchers and companies using the substance only for research and development, site-limited intermediate steps, or export-only products are generally not affected by this notice.
• It is unclear from the notice how many current products or companies already use this substance above the threshold; those details are not provided.

Why it matters#

• The government wants data before this ingredient is used in common household or personal-care products above a set concentration. That helps assess potential risks to human health (for example, eye irritation) and the environment.
• For companies, this can mean additional testing costs, paperwork, and a required waiting period (at least 90 days) before starting the new use. Some may choose to reformulate products to keep the substance below 2% to avoid the notification requirement.
• For consumers, the measure is intended to ensure safety information is collected when a relatively new or unassessed ingredient is introduced into everyday products.