SNAc changes to Domestic Substances List

Summary#

The notice says the federal government plans to change how the Domestic Substances List is handled under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. It would make new uses of certain chemicals — two groups of 10 substances and 46 substances — subject to pre‑notification and assessment before those uses start.

What it does#

• Proposes to vary the “significant new activity” (SNAc) rules for two sets of chemicals listed on the Domestic Substances List: one group of 10 substances, and a second group of 46 substances.
• For many of the substances, anyone who wants to start a new use must file a Significant New Activity Notification at least 90 days before the activity begins.
• Sets quantity and concentration triggers that make a use a “significant new activity”:
  • any activity over 100 kg per calendar year for some substances;
  • any activity over 1,000 kg per calendar year for other substances;
  • manufacture or import into a consumer product or cosmetic at or above 0.1% or 1% by weight (depending on the substance);
  • importing a product that contains more than 10 kg of the substance in a year.
• Lists the type of information a notifier must provide, including the planned use, expected annual quantity, toxicity and exposure data, and specified test results for ecological effects.
• Treats some special uses differently: research and development, site‑limited intermediates, and export‑only manufacture are generally excluded for certain lists, but for some substances (including four with past pesticidal uses) these activities would be included.
• Opens a public comment window — comments can be submitted within 60 days of the notice’s publication.

Who's affected#

• Businesses that manufacture, import, supply or use the listed chemicals in Canada — including chemical producers and importers.
• Companies that make or import consumer products and cosmetics under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and the Food and Drugs Act if their products could contain the listed substances at or above the concentration triggers.
• Firms planning new uses or larger volumes of these substances (above the 100 kg / 1,000 kg thresholds).
• Where relevant, groups connected to pesticide registration or past pesticidal uses (for the substances that had those uses).
• If it’s unclear whether a particular use is covered, companies and smaller suppliers may need to check the exact substance lists and thresholds or seek guidance.

Why it matters#

• The change would require advance notice and data before higher‑risk new uses begin. That gives health and environment officials time to assess risks before wider use occurs.
• It could change how products are formulated, imported or launched — companies may need more testing, paperwork, or lead time.
• The rules aim to reduce the chance that new industrial or consumer uses create unexpected exposures to people or the environment.
• The public and industry have a chance to weigh in during the 60‑day comment period before any Order is finalized.