Subsection 56(1) class exemption for persons conducting certain activities with preparations or mixtures containing benzyl chloride, phenethyl bromide and/or propionic anhydride

Scope

With respect to preparations and mixtures containing benzyl chloride, phenethyl bromide, or propionic anhydride and pursuant to subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), persons are exempt from the application of subsections 5(1), 5(2), 6(1) and 6(2) of the CDSA, to allow for the sale or provision, transfer, transport, sending, delivery, import, export, and possession for the purposes of export, only if:

• the preparation or mixture contains benzyl chloride, phenethyl bromide, or propionic anhydride, either alone or in combination (including with a substance from Part 2 of Schedule VI to the CDSA), and those substances together make up no more than 30% of the total weight (for solids) or volume (for liquids).

Definitions

"benzyl chloride" means ((chloromethyl)benzene) item 4; Schedule V of the CDSA (chlorure de benzyle)

"phenethyl bromide" means ((2-bro‐moethyl)benzene) item 2; Schedule V of the CDSA (bromure de phénéthyle)

"propionic anhydride" means item 3; Schedule V of the CDSA (anhydride propanoïque)

Suspension without notice

The exemption may be suspended without prior notice if the Minister deems that such suspension is necessary to protect public health or safety.

Revocation

The Minister may revoke the exemption if the Minister believes that it is no longer necessary or in the public interest.

Duration

This exemption will remain in effect until:

• The date on which this exemption is replaced by another exemption, or
• The date of revocation.

Effective date

• April 14, 2025, with respect to preparations and mixtures containing phenethyl bromide.
• May 29, 2025, with respect to preparations and mixtures containing benzyl chloride and propionic anhydride.

Signed for and on behalf of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.

Original signed by

Director General
Controlled Substance and Overdose Response Directorate
Heath Canada