REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 15, 2024

• CARM: Assess and pay duties and taxes on imported commercial goods

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) digital initiative is changing how CBSA assesses and collects duties and taxes on commercial goods imported into Canada. On May 13, 2024, CARM will become the official system of record that importers and other trade chain partners will use to pay duties and taxes.

• British Columbia amends occupation exposure limits for chemicals

Prevention Policy Item R5.48-1 has been amended to maintain the current B.C. exposure limits for substances listed on the 2024 new or revised Threshold Limit Values from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

• Ontario launches Safety Simplified for Small Businesses

Small businesses with limited resources no longer have to skimp on worker orientation. The Orientation Handbook provides an overview of health and safety legislation in Ontario, outlining the responsibilities of the employer, supervisor, and worker as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). From your responsibilities under the OHSA to providing essential safety policies and procedures, our handbook has got you covered.

• Ontario Preparing Communities for Emergencies

The Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan outlines a clear goal for emergency management for the province. This goal is simple: every person in Ontario should be safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies such as floods, wildland fires and threats like cyber security incidents.

• Ontario to provide multilingual worker safety resources

Ontario is looking to fill gaps in its labour market by welcoming newcomers to the province at historic levels. This, in addition to temporary foreign workers, means tens of thousands of new Canadians will be entering our workforce, bringing with them a varied understanding of health and safety rights, responsibilities, and workplace hazards. Language barriers may also complicate their ability to integrate into the workforce safely.

• Nova Scotia introduces new resources for harassment and violence

Supporting psychologically safe workplaces and preventing injuries is also an area of focus for our partners at the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration. On their behalf, we are pleased to share some new workplace harassment and violence information and free training resources below. We hope you find it helpful.

• FDA Releases Report on Economically Motivated Adulteration in Honey

The U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is releasing data from a sampling assignment carried out in 2022 and 2023 to test imported honey for economically motivated adulteration (EMA). EMA occurs, for example, when a valuable ingredient or part of a food is intentionally left out, taken out, or is substituted or when a substance is added to a food to make it appear better or of greater value.

• FDA seeks input on Food Allergy Labelling and Reporting

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Submit written comments (including recommendations) on the collection of information by May 13, 2024.

• FDA seeks input on Food Labelling for vending machines and restaurants

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Agency, or we) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Submit written comments (including recommendations) on the collection of information by May 13, 2024.

• Hazardous materials harmonization with international standards

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PMHSA) is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to maintain alignment with international regulations and standards by adopting various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements.

• Advisory Group recommendations on priorities for the IARC Monographs

The Advisory Group of experts considered more than 200 candidates, including infectious agents, biotoxins, complex exposures, particles and fibres, metals, pharmaceuticals, physical agents, and a wide variety of chemicals. The full report will be published later this year.

• ECHA Stakeholder workshop presentations on biocidal actives now available

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) held a workshop on March 25, 2024 to their accredited stakeholders on the results and recommendations of the harmonised enforcement project on biocides (BEF-2). During the project, the national enforcement authorities checked biocidal products with approved and non-approved active substances. The agenda, presentations and conclusions from the workshop are now available on our website.

Safety Share

• National Day of Mourning April 28^th

On April 28, Canadian flags on Parliament Hill and in federal government buildings will fly at half-mast to honour the workers whose lives have been lost, who have been injured or disabled on the job, or who suffer from occupational disease. Employers and workers will observe the National Day of Mourning in a variety of ways. Some will attend ceremonies, light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and pause for a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.

Have an event you would like to share? Please send details to [email protected].

• CANECT24 – April 23-25, 2024 – Vaughn, Ontario

Plan to attend Canada’s premier environmental event, as it returns to a fully in-person format that is designed to meet your compliance needs, and connect you to experts and peers.

• Toronto Bakery Showcase – May 5-6, 2024 – Toronto Congress Centre

The Baking Association of Canada’s national baking industry event will feature a bustling trade show and conference, inspirational speakers, education sessions, competitions and demonstrations and countless opportunities to network and benefit your business.

• 2024 Responsible Care® and Sustainability Conference and Expo – May 6-9, 2024 – Miami Beach, FL

The American Chemistry Council welcomes you to make plans to join your colleagues at one of the industry’s leading events focused on the environmental, health, safety & sustainability arena.

• NFPA Conference and Expo – June 17-19, 2024 – Orlando, Florida

Collaborate and network with thousands of your colleagues, experts from several industries, and NFPA staff on life, fire, and electrical safety innovation at the 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo.

• ACD ChemEdge Conference and Trade Show – August 21-23, 2024 – Indianapolis, IN

ChemEdge is a conference and trade show tailored for the chemical distribution channel. It provides training and education on issues important to chemical distributors, manufacturers, warehouses and service support companies.