New substances: Chemicals and polymers
The New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) [NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers)] help protect Canadians and the environment, as they allow for the assessment of new chemicals and polymers prior to their introduction into the Canadian marketplace above prescribed thresholds. Following a New Substances Notification (NSN), Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada carry out a joint assessment process to determine whether there is a potential for risk to the environment and human health. When potential risks are identified, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) empowers the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to impose control measures.
If you plan to manufacture or import new chemicals or polymers subject to notification under the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers), you are required to provide information to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Updates on guidance materials
The draft Guidance Document for the Notification and Testing of New Chemicals and Polymers is now available for use. When finalized, this New Guidance document will replace the 2005 Guidelines for the notification and testing of new substances - chemicals and polymers.
Services and information
Notification guidance: Chemicals and polymers
Determine whether a chemical or polymer is subject to notification and access instructions for the completion of an NSN
New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers)
Regulations under CEPA requiring the assessment of new substances prior to import or manufacture in Canada
New substances fees
Guide to the New Substances Fees Regulations for notifications and other services
Advisory notes
Advisory notes providing clarification on various aspects of the New Substances program
Nanomaterials
Information on the notification of new nanomaterials
Masked Name Regulations
Regulations respecting the masking of substance names to prevent the disclosure of confidential information
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: