On June 27, 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published a Notice of Intent to amend the Domestic Substances List (DSL) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), imposing Significant New Activity (SNAc) requirements on four chemicals widely used in consumer products. The Notice of Intent is now open for a 60-day public comment period. Any individual or organization may submit comments via email (substances@ec.gc.ca) or the ECCC Single Window Online System before August 27, 2026. CIRS Group provides the following analysis of this proposed amendment.
1. Substances Involved
|
Abbreviation |
CAS No. |
Chemical Name |
|
TEA |
102-71-6 |
Triethanolamine |
|
DEA |
111-42-2 |
Diethanolamine |
|
LDE |
120-40-1 |
N,N-Diethanoldodecanamide |
|
CDE |
68603-42-9 |
N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)cocoamide |
2. Key Regulatory Requirements
If a company intends to manufacture or import any of the above substances in the following specific consumer products/cosmetics, and the concentration/quantity reaches the specified thresholds, a Significant New Activity Notification (SNAN) must be submitted to the Minister of the Environment 90 days in advance:
- TEA: Air fresheners (>4%); non-fluoridated toothpaste (>5%) or mouthwash (≥1%)
- DEA: Cleaning sprays or all-purpose cleaners (≥3%)
- LDE: Leave-on cosmetics (>2.5%)
- CDE: Cleaning sprays/all-purpose cleaners (≥12.5%); shampoo/liquid soap (>21%) or leave-on cosmetics (>0.5%)
Import volume threshold: The notification obligation is triggered if the total annual import volume of the above activities exceeds 10 kg.
3. Exemptions
The following activities are exempt from SNAN submission:
- Substances used for research and development or site-limited intermediates
- Substances/products intended solely for export
ChemRadar Insights
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada will complete the environmental and human health risk assessment within 90 days. The order requires ministerial approval and will come into force upon publication in Part II of the Canada Gazette. Once in effect, companies planning to use or import these substances under the specified conditions must submit detailed notifications to the government in advance and undergo risk assessment. This will particularly impact formulation management and supply chain arrangements in the cleaning products, cosmetics, and air freshener industries. CIRS Group will continue to monitor the development of relevant regulations and provide timely compliance information and support to enterprises.
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