Service standards: Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearances
On this page
- Service description
- Service standard
- Performance target
- Performance result in fiscal year 2023 to 2024
- Service feedback
- Departmental contact
Service description
Obtaining a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) Security Clearance is a requirement under the HPTA for individuals requiring access to security sensitive biological agents (SSBAs). The purpose of an HPTA Security Clearance is to determine that individuals do not pose an undue risk to public health and safety by virtue of their access to SSBAs. HPTA Security Clearances are valid for up to five (5) years and are transferable between licensed facilities.
The Centre for Biosecurity within the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) processes applications for HPTA Security Clearances. For more information on the legislative framework, please refer to:
Individuals requiring an HPTA Security Clearance should follow the instructions outlined on PHAC's Biosecurity web page. There is no fee associated with the issuance of an acknowledgment receipt or an HPTA Security Clearance.
PHAC publishes service standards and performance information for high-volume regulatory authorizations, such as permits or licences, which includes this service for individuals in Canada seeking access to SSBAs.
Learn more:
- Biosecurity and the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act Security Clearance Program
- Service standards for high-volume regulatory authorizations
Service standard
Our standard is to issue an acknowledgment confirming receipt of an HPTA Security Clearance application within 5 business days, and to issue an HPTA Security Clearance within 80 days of receiving a complete application that contains no adverse information.
Processing times may be longer for incomplete applications, applications that require additional information to be provided to PHAC, or those that include adverse information.
Apply for a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act Security Clearance
Performance target
We aim to meet our service standard of acknowledging receipt of an HPTA Security Clearance application within 5 business days for at least 80% of HPTA Security Clearance applications submitted to PHAC.
We aim to meet our service standard of issuing an HPTA Security Clearance within 80 days for at least 80% of complete applications that do not contain any adverse information.
Performance result in fiscal year 2023 to 2024
The service standard for acknowledging receipt of an HPTA Security Clearance was achieved 100% of the time.
Additionally, the service standard for issuing an HPTA Security Clearance for complete applications that contained no adverse information was also met 100% of the time.
Service feedback
PHAC is committed to excellence in its processes and practices, and strives to continually improve its interactions with regulated parties. To provide feedback on service standards, please contact the HPTA Screening Team at hpta.screening-filtrage.lapht@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Departmental contact
Centre for Biosecurity
Regulatory, Operations and Emergency Management Branch
Public Health Agency of Canada
hpta.screening-filtrage.lapht@phac-aspc.gc.ca