Two organisms added to Domestic Substances List

Summary#

Order 2026-112-02-01 Amending the Domestic Substances List adds 2 living organisms to the Domestic Substances List under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The order was registered (and came into force) on February 16, 2026 and published in the Canada Gazette on February 25, 2026.

What it does#

• Adds these living organisms to the Domestic Substances List:
  • Recombinant, chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus carrying the envelope glycoprotein of the visceral non-neurotropic WE-HPI strain of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (listed in Part 5).
  • 19809-7 N Saccharomyces species, YS393-C5 (listed in Part 7).
• Because they are now on the list, these organisms are no longer subject to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms). That means the usual pre‑market notification rules for “new” organisms no longer apply to these specific entries.
• The order does not approve the organisms as safe nor does it remove any other federal, provincial, or municipal rules that might apply to their use.

Who's affected#

• The companies or people who already notified the government and who manufactured or imported these organisms into Canada.
• Businesses and labs that make, import, sell, or use these two specific organisms, including biotech firms and research laboratories.
• It is unclear from the order whether any other groups will be affected beyond those already involved in making or importing these organisms.

Why it matters#

• Being on the Domestic Substances List usually makes it easier for the listed substance to be used or sold in Canada because it removes the specific pre‑market notification step for new substances.
• This change is mainly administrative: it affects paperwork and regulatory steps, not a safety finding.
• It does not mean the government endorses the organisms, nor does it free users from other safety, transport, health, or environmental rules that might still apply.