Biosafety and biosecurity
As of March 26, 2026, the Public Health Agency of Canada amended the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act.
Learn more about the new provisions coming into force immediately.
Biosafety training, pathogen hazards, exposure reporting, licences, regulating laboratories or containment zones
Services and information
How the Public Health Agency of Canada implements the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
Modernization of the Act, key amendments in effect, guidance to support compliance
Canadian biosafety standards and guidelines
Requirements for safe handling of human and animal pathogens, toxins and plant pests in laboratories and other containment zones
Pathogen safety data sheets
Technical information on specific human pathogens, their hazardous properties and laboratory safety
ePATHogen database and Registry of Human Pathogens and Toxins
Searchable database of biological material with regulatory information, a subset is the Registry under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
Training
Resources for regulated parties, including e-learning on biosafety and biosecurity principles and practices
Licences and permits for pathogens and toxins
Apply for human pathogens and toxins licences and animal pathogen import permits
Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) Security Clearance
Information related to the HPTA Security Clearance Program
About the Centre for Biosecurity
About our work and what we do
Compliance and enforcement
Our approach to compliance and enforcement of Canada's pathogen and toxin acts and regulations
An Analytical Approach: Biosafety and Biosecurity Oversight Framework
A tool to strengthen global biosafety and biosecurity
Biosafety and biosecurity bulletins
Access the bulletins and subscribe for email updates on biosafety and biosecurity in Canada
Submit your feedback
Send us your comments about our services and information
Canada's roles and progress in poliovirus containment
Our part in global polio eradication efforts, essential facilities, potentially infectious materials, and the role of the National Authority for the Containment of Polioviruses
Consultations for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and Regulations
Past consultations related to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) and Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations (HPTR).