New Guidance Document for the notification and testing of new substances: chemicals and polymers

The new Guidance Document provides assistance for complying with regulatory requirements, including step-by-step instructions for the completion of a New Substances Notification. The draft Guidance Document is now available for use and comments:

The new Guidance Document

• helps the user to determine whether a substance is subject to notification and the applicable timelines;
• outlines the treatment of confidential information;
• provides guidance on acceptable test methods, alternative information and waiver requests;
• explains how the New Substances program assesses the submitted information; and
• describes the possible decisions following the assessment of a new substance.

How to participate

Comments provided by June 30, 2021 will be taken into consideration during the development of the final Guidance Document. Comments can be submitted using the online reporting system available through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window or by email to eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca. In accordance with section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person who provides information may submit, with the information, a request that it be treated as confidential.

Next steps

When finalized, this new Guidance Document will replace the 2005 Guidelines for the notification and testing of new substances – chemicals and polymers.