Cyclohexanamine added to Domestic Substances List

Summary#

The government has added cyclohexanamine (CAS RN 108-91-8) to Part 2 of the Domestic Substances List by issuing Order 2025-87-20-01 Amending the Domestic Substances List. The Order makes the substance subject to the “significant new activity” rules under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 starting on February 3, 2026.

What it does#

• Moves cyclohexanamine (108-91-8) into Part 2 of the Domestic Substances List so certain new uses must be reported before they start.
• Triggers notification (a Significant New Activity Notification) when the substance is used or imported in products at or above specific concentration thresholds:
  • 0.1% by weight for most cosmetics and consumer products;
  • 0.3% by weight for gel fuel canisters;
  • 0.7% by weight for stains, paints or coatings.
• Applies an import quantity trigger: if more than 10 kg of cyclohexanamine is imported in such products in a calendar year, importers must notify.
• Exempts some situations from notification:
  • existing uses already evaluated and considered low risk;
  • aerosol hairspray cosmetics (already handled elsewhere);
  • research-and-development, site-limited intermediates, and export-only uses.
• Requires that people planning a covered new activity provide detailed information at least 90 days before starting; the government will assess submissions within 90 days of receipt.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, importers and sellers of consumer products and cosmetics that might contain cyclohexanamine.
• Businesses that make or import gel fuel canisters, stains, paints or coatings, and other consumer products where the substance could appear above the listed concentration thresholds.
• Companies that would import more than 10 kg per year of the substance in covered products.
• Regulators at Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada (mentioned here as the departments involved) who will review notifications.
• If unclear: the Order does not change or limit current, existing uses that were assessed as low risk — it mainly affects potential new or expanded uses.

Why it matters#

• The change does not ban cyclohexanamine. It gives the government advance notice and information when companies plan to use it in ways that could raise exposure.
• That advance notice lets officials check whether a new use could increase risks to people or the environment before it happens.
• For businesses, it means added paperwork and lead time (the 90-day notice plus information requirements) for certain new products or imports.
• For the public, it creates a safeguard aimed at preventing unexpected increases in exposure from new products or wider use.