Carbon nanotube permit and Spotted Owl habitat protection

Summary#

• The federal government has allowed limited manufacture or import of a specific carbon nanotube under Ministerial Condition No. 21984 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The decision sets rules to limit how that material can be used and moved.
• The government also says the critical habitat for the Spotted Owl caurina subspecies inside the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area will get protection under the Species at Risk Act starting 90 days after publication (about October 24, 2025).

What it does#

• For the carbon nanotube (identified as non-functionalized agglomerated multi-walled carbon nanotubes, Confidential Substance Identity Number 19779-7):
  • Permits the notifier to manufacture or import the substance, but only under strict conditions in Ministerial Condition No. 21984.
  • Prohibits use or import of the substance in consumer products that can produce spray, aerosol, or mist.
  • Caps the substance concentration in coating products at 0.01% by weight, and in structural building materials at 0.06% by weight.
  • Requires the notifier to transfer the material only to people who agree in writing to follow the conditions.
  • Requires immediate action and notification if the substance is released to the environment.
  • Requires record-keeping on uses, quantities, transfers, waste disposal and confirmations for at least 5 years.
  • These conditions came into force on July 10, 2025. The notifier provided required information on March 6, 2025.
• For the Spotted Owl habitat:
  • Announces that critical habitat areas for the Spotted Owl caurina subspecies, as identified in the species’ amended recovery strategy and located within the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area, will be protected by subsection 58(1) of the Species at Risk Act 90 days after the notice (about October 24, 2025).

Who's affected#

• The company or person who supplied information to the government (the “notifier”). They are directly bound by the conditions.
• Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users who make or use similar carbon nanotubes or products that might contain them — especially makers of coatings, building materials, and consumer products that could create sprays or aerosols.
• Waste handlers and buyers who receive the substance must follow the written-agreement and record rules.
• People and groups with an interest in the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area — local communities, conservation groups and anyone planning activities there that could affect habitat for the Spotted Owl caurina subspecies.
• The source keeps the substance’s exact identity mostly confidential (the Confidential Substance Identity Number 19779-7), so it may be unclear whether other businesses handle the same material.

Why it matters#

• The nanotube conditions aim to reduce the chance that people breathe in tiny particles and to limit environmental releases. That affects product design, supply chains, and waste disposal for firms working with these materials.
• The rules place clear limits on concentrations in coatings and building materials. Businesses using similar materials may need to change formulations or record-keeping practices.
• Extending legal protection to spotted owl habitat inside the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area strengthens conservation measures on that federal land. It can restrict activities that damage old-growth forest and habitat for an endangered species.
• The notice shows how regulators balance permitting industrial activity with controls meant to protect human health and sensitive wildlife habitat.