Fact sheet: production of biofuels possibly subject to new substances regulations, chemicals and polymers

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Find out about the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers)

If you manufacture or import (produce, grow, develop) a new substance that is used in biofuel production (ethanol, biodiesel, etc.), you must ensure that these new substances have been assessed for the potential risk to the environment or human health as required by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

CEPA 1999 is the key authority for the government to ensure that all new substances are assessed for their potential to harm the environment or human health before they are imported or manufactured in Canada. However, The New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) [NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers)] do not apply in respect to a substance that is manufactured or imported for a use that is regulated under any other Act of Parliament that provides for notice to be given before the manufacture, import or sale of the substance and for an assessment of whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic. These Acts are listed on Schedule 2 of CEPA 1999. New substances intended for uses other than those covered under these Acts are subject to notification under the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) of CEPA 1999.

Chemicals, biochemicals, polymers and biopolymers used in the following substances and activities may be subject to the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers):

• Enzymes used for biofuel production
• Catalysts used for biofuel production
• Hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass
• Chemical hydrolysis
• Enzymatic hydrolysis
• Cellulose accessing packages

We all benefit when you comply with the law.

New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers)

Why such regulations?

The New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) [NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers)] of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) are an integral part of the federal government's national pollution prevention strategy. As part of the "cradle to grave" management approach for toxic substances laid out in CEPA 1999.

CEPA 1999's approach to the control of new substances is both proactive and preventative, employing a pre-manufacture and pre-import notification and assessment process. When this process identifies a new substance that may pose a risk to the environment or human health, CEPA 1999 empowers Environment Canada to intervene prior to or during the earliest stages of its introduction into Canada. This ability to act early makes the new substances program a unique and essential component of the federal management of toxic substances.

What is a substance?

A substance can be any matter, whether animate or inanimate. Inanimate matter includes organic and inorganic chemicals.

What is a new substance?

A new substance is any substance that does not appear on the Domestic Substances List (DSL) of CEPA 1999.

What is the Domestic Substances List?

The DSL is a compilation of all known substances that were in Canadian commerce between 1984 and 1986 or that were added to the DSL in accordance with CEPA 1999. In certain circumstances, the Minister of the Environment may amend the DSL by adding or deleting substances according to CEPA 1999.

Where can i get a copy of the Domestic Substances List?

The DSL can be searched on the New Substances Web site.

Any substance that does not appear on the DSL is subject to the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers).

Are there new substances that are not subject to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers)?

Yes. Substances regulated under any other Federal Act that requires a notice prior to manufacture or import and an assessment of toxicity are not subject to the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers). These Acts are listed on Schedule 2 of CEPA 1999.

I want to manufacture or import a new substance. What should I do?

Please consult us in advance of initiating the manufacture or importation process of a new substance. You will need information on the composition and use of the new substance to determine how to fulfill your obligation under CEPA 1999 and the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers).

You must fulfill the requirements of the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) before manufacturing or importing a new substance. Enforcement of the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) will be conducted in accordance with the Compliance and Enforcement Policy of CEPA 1999.

Are there fees for submitting a new substance notification?

If you are a manufacturer or an importer of a new chemical or polymer who must notify the government that you are introducing a new substance into Canada, you must pay a fee (to recover a portion of the costs), in addition to providing the information prescribed in CEPA 1999.

Where can I get more information?

To find out more on the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) provisions, to consult the DSL, or to obtain instructions on how to complete the notification, visit the New Substances Web site.

Who do I contact?

National Office (Gatineau, Hull Sector):
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (within Canada); (819) 953-7156 (outside Canada)
Facsimile: (819) 953-7155
E-mail: NSN-Infoline@ec.gc.ca

The information presented here is not exhaustive. The intent is to highlight relevant points in the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) established by CEPA 1999. In case of a discrepancy between this bulletin, CEPA 1999 and the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers), the legislation and the Regulations will prevail. Please refer to the Regulations for complete details on the requirements.

Published with the Authority of the Federal Minister of the Environment.
© Minister of Public Works and Government Services 2006.