Epichlorohydrin: New Consumer-Product Notices

Summary#

Order 2024-87-20-01 Amending the Domestic Substances List changes which activities involving the chemical epichlorohydrin require advance notice to the federal government. The Order shifts the focus from many industrial uses to the manufacture or import of consumer products that contain epichlorohydrin at 0.1% by weight or more. The Order was registered on February 28, 2025.

What it does#

• Removes the old rule that required notification for any activity involving more than 100 kg of epichlorohydrin in a year.
• Requires advance notice to the federal government before you:
  • manufacture a consumer product (covered by the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act) that contains epichlorohydrin at 0.1% by weight or more, or
  • import consumer products that contain epichlorohydrin at 0.1% by weight or more if the total imported in a calendar year is greater than 10 kg.
• Exempts activities that are only for research and development, site-limited intermediates, or products intended only for export.
• Sets the paperwork and timing rules: a Significant New Activity Notification must be submitted at least 180 days before the activity begins and must include specific information about the product, quantities, uses and available safety data. The government will assess that submission within 180 days of receipt.
• Comes into force on the day it was registered (see February 28, 2025 above).

Who's affected#

• Companies that make, import or sell consumer products that might contain epichlorohydrin at or above 0.1% by weight — for example manufacturers, importers and distributors of cosmetics, toiletries, or other consumer goods (where the substance is present).
• Businesses that previously filed notifications for industrial or commercial uses above 100 kg may no longer need to notify for those activities.
• Regulators and public-health officials who assess chemical risks and manage product safety.
• It is unclear from the Order how many consumer products in Canada actually contain epichlorohydrin at levels that meet the new thresholds.

Why it matters#

• The change narrows government oversight to consumer products because reviews found increased risk to people if epichlorohydrin appears in those products at measurable levels. The chemical has a noted potential for carcinogenicity, so the government wants to review planned uses before they enter the market.
• For many industrial users, the change should reduce paperwork and administrative burden. For makers or importers of consumer goods, it adds a requirement to tell regulators in advance if their product exceeds the thresholds.
• Consumers and retailers may see impacts if companies reformulate products or change import plans to avoid the notification thresholds. The Order is part of the federal Chemicals Management Plan to balance risk protection with clearer, more targeted rules.