Notice requirement for 2-ethylhexyl-2-ethylhexanoate

Summary#

This is Order 2025-87-25-01 Amending the Domestic Substances List, registered on February 10, 2026 and published February 25, 2026. It makes the chemical known as hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, 2 ethylhexyl ester (also called 2-ethylhexyl-2-ethylhexanoate, CAS RN 7425-14-1) subject to Canada’s “significant new activity” notice rules when it is used in or imported in certain consumer products.

What it does#

• Removes CAS RN 7425-14-1 from Part 1 and adds it to Part 2 of the Domestic Substances List, meaning new uses must be reported in advance.
• Requires a notification before two kinds of new activities:
  • Making a consumer product subject to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act that contains the substance at 0.1% by weight or more.
  • Importing consumer products that contain the substance at 0.1% by weight or more if the total amount imported in all such products in a calendar year is greater than 10 kg.
• Exempts some activities from notification, including:
  • Research and development uses and site-limited intermediate uses.
  • Products intended only for export.
• Lists the information companies must give before starting a covered activity, including:
  • A description of the activity and the anticipated annual quantity.
  • Details about the consumer product, its use and how the substance functions in it.
  • Technical and test data the company has, relevant regulatory contacts and a signed certification.
• Timing rules:
  • The required information must be provided at least 180 days before the new activity begins.
  • The government will assess the submitted information within 180 days after receipt.
• The Order takes effect on the day it was registered.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and formulators who would add this substance to consumer products at 0.1% by weight or more.
• Importers of consumer products that collectively bring in more than 10 kg per year of the substance in those products.
• Suppliers, distributors and downstream users who could be part of the supply chain for affected consumer products.
• Academic or industrial researchers and companies exporting products only are mostly not affected because of the stated exemptions.
• It is not clear from the Order how many Canadian businesses currently use or import this substance; earlier government surveys and consultations suggested low or limited current use.

Why it matters#

• The government flagged this chemical because a past screening assessment found it could meet the human-health criteria for concern if exposures increase. Requiring advance notice lets officials check for risks before a new or bigger use begins.
• For businesses, the rule means planning: if you intend to start using or importing the substance in covered concentrations, you must prepare and submit detailed information at least 180 days before launch. That could delay product introductions or push companies to reformulate.
• For consumers and communities, the rule gives regulators a chance to identify and, if needed, propose limits or other controls before the substance is used more widely in consumer products.