Pre-notification for three industrial chemicals

Summary#

Order 2024-87-23-01 Amending the Domestic Substances List adds notification requirements for three industrial chemicals so that the federal government must be told before certain new uses or imports are started in Canada. The Order took effect on July 15, 2024 and applies to planned activities that could increase how much people or the environment are exposed to these substances.

What it does#

• Adds the following substances to the part of the Domestic Substances List that triggers the Significant New Activity (SNAc) rules:
  • oxirane, [(2-propenyloxy)methyl]- (CAS RN 106-92-3)
  • oxirane, [(2-methylphenoxy)methyl]- (CAS RN 2210-79-9)
  • 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 1,3,5-tris(oxiranylmethyl)- (CAS RN 2451-62-9)
• For each substance, the Order says which new uses or imports will trigger a requirement to notify the federal ministers and provide safety and use details before starting the activity.
• Typical triggers include:
  • Using the substance to make a consumer product or a cosmetic when it is present at 0.1% or more by weight (for two of the substances).
  • Importing products that contain the substance at 0.1% or more when the total imported amount in a year is over 10 kg.
  • For one substance (2210-79-9), there are higher concentration thresholds for some products: 2.5% for surface coatings/adhesives/sealants, or 30% for certain small hobby/craft epoxy kits sold in containers or two-part systems under 50 mL.
• People planning a covered activity must send the required information at least 90 days before it starts. The government will assess the submission within 90 days of receipt.
• Some activities are not covered, for example when the substance is only used for research and development, used only as a site-limited intermediate, or the product is intended only for export.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, importers and formulators of consumer products and cosmetics that could contain these chemicals. Examples include:
  • companies that make coatings, adhesives, sealants, cosmetics, or epoxy-based products used in home or hobby settings
  • importers of finished consumer products that contain these substances
• Small businesses that sell hobby/craft epoxies or small-volume adhesives could be affected if their products exceed the concentration or annual import thresholds.
• The Order does not change rules for existing uses that were already assessed and found to be low risk. It does not itself ban or restrict products; it requires notification and information before certain new uses begin.

Why it matters#

• This is an early-warning measure. The government wants to know before these chemicals are used in new ways or in larger amounts that could raise exposure for people or the environment.
• If a company plans to start a covered activity, it now needs time to prepare and submit detailed information at least 90 days in advance. That can affect product launch timelines and planning for imports.
• Consumers may see this as a step toward ensuring new uses of these chemicals are assessed for safety before they reach store shelves. The Order makes it easier for regulators to identify risks and consider further safety rules if needed.