Bisphenol A (BPA) structural analogues and functional alternatives

Regulatory action for bisphenol A (BPA), as well as consumer and market shifts toward "BPA-free" products, have led to a rise in the use of BPA alternatives. Understanding the potential risk to the environment and human health from a substance used as a substitute for BPA is important to ensure the continued protection of Canadians and the environment.

On this page

• Information gathering
  • 2021 Mandatory section 71 notice
• Technical consultation
• Timelines

Information gathering

2021 Mandatory section 71 notice

In November 2021, a notice with respect to bisphenol A (BPA) and BPA structural analogues and functional alternatives (BPA SAFAs) was issued in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 155, No. 46 – November 13, 2021 under section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). The notice applied to 188 inanimate (chemical) substances.

The purpose of the notice was to collect information on the commercial status, industrial processes (for example, facility releases) and downstream use of BPA and BPA SAFAs in Canada from manufacturers, importers and those who use these substances to produce goods. The data collected will inform further prioritization decisions, risk assessment activities and risk management, if needed.

A compilation of the non-confidential information received in Excel and CSV formats for the data gathering initiative on BPA and BPA SAFAs is available via the Government of Canada Open data portal.

Technical consultation

As a result of the 2017-2018 Identification of Risk Assessment Priorities (IRAP) review, and through similar work being conducted in other jurisdictions, certain bisphenols and related substances (343 BPA SAFAs, in addition to BPA) were identified for further consideration in a problem formulation process in the context of prioritization. As a first step in this further scoping, the Government of Canada published a document entitled the Technical Consultation: Proposed Subgrouping of Bisphenol A (BPA) Structural Analogues and Functional Alternatives on December 18, 2020 for a public comment period, that ended on February 17, 2021.

The intent of this consultation was to obtain input on the group of BPA SAFAs that were identified after applying the approach described in the document.

Comments received on this document will inform the subsequent problem formulation process, as well as any potential future activities for these substances.