Spa Disinfectants Removed from Exempt List

Summary#

These final regulations change the Pest Control Products Regulations to make clear that certain spa disinfectants are not allowed. The entries for sodium bromide at 35% and potassium monopersulfate at 32% were removed from the list of products that can be sold without registration. The rules came into force when they were registered on December 4, 2020.

What it does#

• Removes (repeals) the entries in Schedule 2 that previously listed spa products containing sodium bromide (35%) and potassium monopersulfate (32%) as exempt from registration.
• Clarifies that spa products using these two ingredients at those concentrations are not authorized for sale as exempt products in Canada.
• Follows the findings of the Re-evaluation Decision RVD2018-36, completed by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada, which concluded these uses posed health concerns because bromide exposure was close to levels linked to thyroid effects.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and formulators of spa and hot-tub water treatment products that use sodium bromide and potassium monopersulfate at the listed concentrations.
• Retailers and distributors that sell spa disinfectants and related supplies.
• Spa and hot-tub operators and service businesses that buy and use these specific products.
• Consumers who use spa products: they may see some products disappear from the market or be relabelled.
• If it’s unclear whether a specific product is affected, contact the seller or Health Canada for details.

Why it matters#

• The change is meant to reduce public health risk: the PMRA found bromide exposure from those spa uses could be close to levels tied to thyroid effects.
• It removes ambiguity so regulators, sellers, and buyers know these particular spa treatments are not permitted as exempt products.
• The government says no new costs are expected because the products were already not authorized; Health Canada plans outreach to the spa sector to raise awareness and support compliance.
• Enforcement tools (inspections, warnings, seizures) remain available to prevent sale or use of non-authorized products.