Canada's toxic substances lists expanded and clarified with new chemicals and more precise identifiers

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted

The federal government has updated Schedule 3 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which lists prohibited, restricted, and controlled substances. Several existing entries have been sharpened by adding Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers and named isomers or salts — for example, endosulfan, phosphamidon, DNOC, and perfluorooctane sulfonate entries now explicitly list their component forms. New substances have been added to the 'Restricted' list, including long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), ferbam, and a dodeachloro compound. New entries on the 'Prohibited' list include hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related compounds, phorate, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Phorate has been moved from the Restricted list to the Prohibited list. Businesses that manufacture, import, use, or sell products containing any of these substances — including flame retardants, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — should review whether their products or operations are affected by the expanded or reclassified entries.

Who this affects
chemical manufacturers and importers · pesticide and agrochemical producers · industrial product formulators · environmental compliance officers · companies using flame retardants or PFAS-containing materials