Canada · Chemicals

Restricted Substances in Canada

A practical guide to Restricted Substances for chemicals sold in Canada: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Certain substances are banned or restricted above concentration limits in consumer products; Brands selling products that contain regulated substances

Authority

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Legal basis

Canadian Environmental Protection Act

Local representative

A local registrant or authorised representative is usually required

Timeline

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume

Cost

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost

If you do not comply

Import blocks, fines, and liability in serious cases

Who needs this

Certain substances are banned or restricted above concentration limits in consumer products
Brands selling products that contain regulated substances

Documents you need

Restricted substance screening report
Substance inventory or registration dossier
Safety data sheets in the required language
Classification and labelling review

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Restricted substance screening report
Substance inventory or registration dossier
Safety data sheets in the required language
Classification and labelling review

How to comply

Screen the formulation against the restriction list
Identify substances and annual volumes
Check registration, notification, or authorisation duties
Prepare safety data sheets and labels

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Restricted Substances — Canada
Product category: Chemicals
Authority: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Legal basis: Canadian Environmental Protection Act

Documents we already have:
  1. Restricted substance screening report
  2. Substance inventory or registration dossier
  3. Safety data sheets in the required language
  4. Classification and labelling review

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Restricted Substances in Canada?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost.

Common rejection reasons

Restricted substance above the limit
Substance not registered or notified
Safety data sheet missing the local language
Wrong hazard classification

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs Restricted Substances in Canada?

Certain substances are banned or restricted above concentration limits in consumer products Brands selling products that contain regulated substances.

What documents are required for Restricted Substances?

Restricted substance screening report; Substance inventory or registration dossier; Safety data sheets in the required language; and classification and labelling review.

What is the first step for Restricted Substances?

Screen the formulation against the restriction list. Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

How long does Restricted Substances take?

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

How much does Restricted Substances cost?

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Import blocks, fines, and liability in serious cases.

Who regulates Restricted Substances in Canada?

Environment and Climate Change Canada.