Notification rule proposed for Na3NTA

Summary#

The federal government published a notice saying it plans to add the chemical **Na3NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium salt, CAS 5064-31-3) to a list that triggers extra reporting for new uses. A recent screening found the substance does not currently meet the harmfulness test in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), but the government wants companies to tell authorities ahead of certain new uses; comments are open for 60 days.

What it does#

• It would amend the Domestic Substances List so the Significant New Activity (SNAc) rules under CEPA apply to Na3NTA. That means people must notify the government before starting certain new activities.
• Notification would be required at least 90 days before beginning a covered activity and must include information about the proposed use, amounts, exposure and any data the notifier has.
• The SNAc rules would target:
  • Manufacturing consumer products containing the substance at concentrations greater than 1% by weight (with different thresholds for some products).
  • Manufacturing cosmetics containing the substance at concentrations greater than 0.1% by weight (soap is treated differently).
  • Importing the substance in a product when the total amount of the substance in that product exceeds 10 kg in a calendar year and the product concentration is above the above thresholds.
• Specific exceptions are proposed for:
  • Wood spray polish with less than 2% Na3NTA.
  • Boat cleaner with less than 3% Na3NTA.
  • Soap with Na3NTA at 0.3% or less.
  • Uses limited to research and development, site-limited intermediates, or products intended only for export.
  • Activities already regulated under other laws such as the Pest Control Products Act, Fertilizers Act, or Feeds Act.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer products (especially cleaning products) and cosmetics that use Na3NTA at or above the thresholds listed above.
• Retailers and brand owners may be affected indirectly if suppliers change formulations or require notification paperwork.
• Small shipments or low-concentration products under the thresholds would generally not trigger the new notification rule.
• Research labs and firms exporting the substance only are generally exempt.

Note: historic data cited in the assessment shows imports into Canada in 2011 of about 932,414 kg, which indicates past large-scale use in industry and products.

Why it matters#

• The government’s screening concluded the substance does not currently meet CEPA’s definition of being harmful to people or the environment. But animal studies showed concerns (notably urinary tract tumours in lab animals), so authorities want early warning if new uses could increase exposure.
• If adopted, the change would mean more paperwork before companies introduce higher‑concentration products or import larger yearly amounts. That can slow product launches or push companies to reformulate to stay below the thresholds.
• For consumers, the change is meant to reduce the chance of new uses that would increase health or environmental risks without review. The public can comment on the proposal during the 60‑day comment period.