Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 19, 2019
Canadian Federal News
The Government of Canada is committed to further strengthening the Canadian economy, improving the lives of Canadian families, the middle class and those working hard to join it. The amendments involve improvements to the new NAFTA signed by Canada, the United States, and Mexico on November 30, 2018, in the areas of:
- state-to-state dispute settlement
- labour protection
- environmental protection
- intellectual property
- automotive rules of origin
Ministerial Mandate Letters were issued on Friday December 13th, 2019. These included instructions that may impact the chemical and ingredient supply change.
· Transport: “Continue to improve the safety of Canada’s transportation sector through a review and modernization of relevant legislation and regulations;”
· Environment and Climate Change: “Work with the Minister of Health to better protect people and the environment from toxins and other pollution, including by strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.” And “Implement our plan to ban harmful single-use plastic products and take steps toward eliminating plastic pollution in Canada. This includes working with provinces and territories to develop national targets, standards and regulations that will make companies that manufacture plastic products or sell items with plastic packaging responsible for collecting and recycling them.”
· Health: “Work with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to better protect people and the environment from toxins and other pollution, including by strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.”
· Natural Resources: “Work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to position Canada as a global leader in clean technology, including in critical minerals.”
Amendment: Clarification has been provided concerning when the different versions of the certificates can be issued and when they will be accepted by the importing country.
Please be advised that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will be updating the EU certificates for certain products, as required by the EU. Existing certificates must be issued up until and including December 13, 2019. The new certificates must be issued starting December 14, 2019. The consignments accompanied by the previous versions of the EU certificates may be accepted for entry into the European Union until March 13, 2020 provided that the certificate was signed before December 14, 2019.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada have assessed the two substances, which are listed as follows:
1. Sulfamic acid, cyclohexyl-, monosodium salt (also known as “sodium cyclamate”, CAS Registry No. 139-05-9)
2. Benzenemethanamine, N,N-dimethyl- (also known as “cyclohexylamine or CHA”, CAS Registry No. 108-91-8)
Since sodium cyclamate and CHA are considered to have human health effects of concern, there may be concern for human health if exposure levels were to increase. Therefore, the Government of Canada is considering follow-up activities to track changes in commercial use patterns and human exposure to these substances.
The Notice requires that any person (individual or corporation) engaging in a significant new activity in relation to 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1-butyl 2-(phenylmethyl) ester, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry No. 1200806-67-2, submit a Significant New Activity Notification.
On the basis of the information presented in this screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that the 21 substances considered in this assessment do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.
On December 9, 2019, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (Volkswagen AG) was charged with 60 counts of contravening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act).
Canadian Provincial News
Requirements and training will be streamlined for workplace health and safety committees and worker representatives.
The Ontario Legislature officially passed the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2019. The Act is part of the government’s signature package to address red tape and modernize regulations to make life easier for people and business. The legislation will lower the cost of doing business by making it simpler and more cost-effective to comply with regulations — leading to more jobs, higher wages and more opportunities for hard-working families.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is introducing amendments to the NWT Employment Standards Act and Regulations that provide new and enhanced types of employment leave and will be effective as of January 01, 2020.
US News
On the basis of the record developed in the subject investigations, the United States International Trade Commission determines, pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930, that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of acetone from Singapore and Spain, provided for in subheadings 2914.11.10 and 2914.11.50 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that have been found by the U.S. Department of Commerce to be sold in the United States at less than fair value.
This proposed rule describes when an owner or operator is required to file a report of an accidental release and the required content of such a report. The purpose of the proposed rule is to ensure that the CSB receives rapid, accurate reports of any accidental release that meets established statutory criteria. DATES: Comments must be submitted by January 13, 2020.
International News
The Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) adopted its opinion on the restriction proposal on N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted its opinion on the restriction proposal on siloxanes (D4, D5, D6).
SEAC adopted its final opinion on the restriction proposal by Italy to restrict the uses of the N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) on its own or in mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.3 % w/w.
RAC and SEAC supported the proposal by ECHA to restrict placing on the market of D4, D5 and D6 as substances, as constituents of other substances, or in mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1 % w/w of each substance. A consultation on the agreed SEAC opinion will begin soon and the Committee is expected to adopt an opinion at its March 2020 meeting.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is pleased to announce that the IARC Monographs volume on isobutyl nitrite, β-picoline, and some acrylates is now available online.
This volume includes six monographs: isobutyl nitrite, β-picoline, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and trimethylolpropane triacrylate.
Other Relevant Information
Safety Share
The Workplace Safety and Prevention Services of the Ministry of Labour has 21 holiday safety tips to keep everyone safe this holiday season.
With temperatures dropping and the holiday season upon us, ensure that festivities are both happy and safe by making fire safety a priority. Follow these simple tips to enjoy a fire-safe holiday season.
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