On February 14, 2026, the Canada Gazette published a notice stating that Environment and Climate Change Canada plans to update the Domestic Substances List (DSL) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The proposed amendment would add the letter “P” to the identifiers of 220 polymers that have been evaluated and found to meet the “Reduced Regulatory Requirement” (RRR) polymer criteria.
Background
The DSL contains substances that are manufactured in or imported into Canada on a commercial basis. Any substance not included on the DSL is considered new. In general, substances listed on the DSL do not require notification. However, when an identifier is followed by the letters “S,” “S′,” or “P,” notification obligations may apply in specific situations.
S Mark: This designation indicates that the substance is subject to subsection 81(3) of the Act. It applies to new substances that may become toxic if used in a significant new activity. Anyone intending to undertake such an activity must provide the required information for a risk assessment before proceeding.
S′ Mark: This designation also relates to subsection 81(3), but it applies to substances assessed under sections 68 or 74 of the Act. As with the S mark, notification is required prior to initiating a significant new activity.
P Mark: This indicates that the substance meets the RRR polymer criteria. If a polymer does not meet these criteria and exceeds the relevant thresholds, a non-RRR notification must be submitted. Following reassessment, if the polymer is determined to be non-toxic, the P mark may be removed. If it is considered toxic, additional regulatory actions may be taken.
Scope of the Amendment
Part 1: Around 110 polymers identified by CAS numbers, such as 25608-63-3 N and 25718-70-1 N.
Part 3: Approximately 110 polymers identified by confidential or masked names and specific identifiers, such as 11746-1 T and 11870-8 N.
Public Consultation
Stakeholders have 120 days from the date of the notice of intent to submit comments on the proposed changes. These inputs will be considered during the preparation of the final order. The final amendment will be published in Part II of the Canada Gazette and will come into force on the date of its publication.
