Frequently Asked Questions - Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001

This document is an unofficial summary of the Regulations. It is not intended to substitute for, supersede or limit the requirements under the applicable legislation. In case of any discrepancy between this summary and the legislation, the legislation will prevail.

What is the purpose of this regulation?

The  Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 (CCCR, 2001) under the  Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) ) help to protect consumers from hazards posed by consumer chemical products which are manufactured, advertised, imported or sold in Canada and enable Canadians to make informed choices about the products they buy and use. The Regulations set out labelling and packaging requirements for chemical products to inform consumers of the potential hazards that a product may pose during use.  In addition, certain products must be packaged in a child-resistant container.

What are the key elements of this regulation?

The regulated hazards are toxicity, flammability, corrosivity and quick skin-bonding adhesives. The CCCR, 2001 include scientifically derived classification criteria. The classification of the chemical product determines labelling and packaging requirements, including hazard symbols, warning statements, safety instructions and first aid statements. The label must also disclose all hazardous ingredients that are present at a concentration of one percent or greater. In some cases, child-resistant packaging is also required.

An in-depth CCCR, 2001 Reference Manual for industry is available on Health Canada's website.

How does this regulation affect Canadian businesses?

Under the Canadian regulations for consumer chemical products, industry is responsible for the classification of these products and to ensure compliance with the CCCR, 2001 and the CCPSA.

The CCCR, 2001 statements are the minimum that a manufacturer is required to put on a label.  All manufacturers, importers and distributors are encouraged to add any additional information which may increase the level of safe use for a given product.

The manufacturer or importer of the consumer chemical product must keep records relating to the classification of their product. These records must be provided within 15 days after receipt of a request from an inspector, and are used to confirm compliance with the regulatory requirements.

The CCCR, 2001 do not require any regulatory authorizations or contain reporting requirements.

However, there are incident reporting requirements under the CCPSA. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the CCPSA are available on Health Canada's website.

What is the timeline for implementation?

The regulatory requirements for consumer chemical products came into force under the Hazardous Products Act in 1970, but were significantly amended and renamed in 2001 to the current CCCR, 2001.

The CCCR came into force under the Hazardous Products Act in 1970, but were significantly amended and renamed in 2001 to the current CCCR, 2001.

The CCPSA, came into force in 2011, and has replaced Part I and Schedule I to the Hazardous Products Act.

Where can I get more information on the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001?

Consumer Product Safety Program
Email: CPS-SPC@hc-sc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-866-662-0666 (Calls will be routed to the nearest Consumer Product Safety Office.)

Additional information for industry on the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) and its requirements is available on Health Canada's Website.

For More Information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the  Canada Gazette and  Consulting with Canadians websites.

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