Proposed Schedule 1 additions: oils and parabens

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice (published March 14, 2020) records an order and several draft chemical screening assessments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 by the Department of the Environment and the Department of Health. The governments propose adding a handful of commonly used oils and some parabens and salicylates to Schedule 1 (the list that can trigger regulation), and they have released risk-management scoping documents and opened a public comment period.

What it does#

• Order 2020-87-07-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List deletes some chemical entries from parts of the Non‑domestic Substances List. The Order says it will come into force when a related order for the Domestic Substances List comes into force. The exact date is not given in this notice.
• The departments published draft screening assessments for three groups of chemicals and made these proposals:
  • Acyclic, Monocyclic, and Bicyclic Monoterpenes Group (15 substances assessed). It is proposed that rose oil, mandarin oil, tangerine oil, turpentine oil, and turpentine meet the Act’s health-risk test and be added to Schedule 1. The other 10 substances in the group are proposed to need no further action at this time.
  • Salicylates Group (5 substances assessed). It is proposed that wintergreen oil, salicylic acid, and homosalate meet the Act’s health-risk test and be added to Schedule 1. The remaining 2 substances (phenethyl salicylate and Betula alba extract) are proposed for no further action now.
  • Parabens Group (7 substances assessed). It is proposed that methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and iso-butylparaben meet the Act’s health-risk test and be added to Schedule 1. The other three parabens are proposed for no further action now.
• For the substances proposed for Schedule 1, the governments released risk‑management scope documents to start discussions with industry and stakeholders about possible controls or actions.
• A public comment period is open for 60 days from the notice’s publication for people to submit scientific or other information.

Who's affected#

• Companies that manufacture, import or use these substances in Canada, including makers of:
  • cosmetics and personal care products (lotions, shampoos, deodorants, sunscreens),
  • natural health products and some non‑prescription drugs,
  • cleaning products, air fresheners, and some industrial uses (e.g., paint thinners or solvents).
• Consumers, especially people who use products that list these oils or parabens as ingredients, because future controls could change product formulations or labelling.
• Health and environmental groups, and researchers, who may want to provide information during the 60‑day comment window.
• It is unclear from the notice which specific companies are affected by the deletions in the Non‑domestic Substances List beyond those handling the deleted CAS entries.

Why it matters#

• Being added to Schedule 1 does not itself impose rules, but it lets the government create regulations or other controls later. That can lead to limits, bans, labelling changes, or other actions on those substances.
• Some of the substances proposed for Schedule 1 are common ingredients in everyday products (for example, certain essential oils, sunscreen filters, and preservatives). If the government proceeds to regulations, manufacturers may need to reformulate products or change how they sell them.
• The risk‑management scope documents mean the government is starting formal talks with industry and stakeholders. Interested parties have a chance to comment and to provide data during the 60‑day public comment period that could influence what controls, if any, are chosen.