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Alternative Substances to Phosphorus Compounds in Household Detergents and Cleaners

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

• Background
• Mandatory Section 71 Survey Notice
• Contact Information

Background

In June 2008, the Government of Canada published draft regulations to control the phosphorus concentration in household laundry detergents, dish-washing compounds and cleaners to a maximum of 0.5% by weight. The proposed regulation would come into force in year 2010.

Environment Canada is currently trying to identify alternative substances to phosphorus that could likely be used to meet the proposed concentration of phosphorus as outlined in the draft regulations. Once the alternative substances have been identified, it will then be possible to determine whether there is potential for adverse effects associated with their use.

Mandatory Section 71 Survey Notice

The following Notice, issued on April 25, 2009 under section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, entitled: Notice with respect to alternative substances to phosphorus compounds in household laundry detergents, household dish-washing compounds and household cleaners is targeted to manufacturers or importers of household detergents and cleaners that exceeded a phosphorus compound concentration of 0.5% by weight, since 2004.

This notice is being issued to identify alternative substances to phosphorus compounds in household laundry detergents, dish-washing compounds and cleaners. The information collected will be used to determine hazards associated with the alternative substances based on likely levels of exposure to the environment.

Every person to whom the Notice applies must comply with the Notice by no later than August 25, 2009, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).  Please note that under subsection 71(4) of the Act, extensions may be granted in some cases upon written request. To apply for an extension, a written request and justification must be received by the Minister of the Environment prior to the deadline.

•  CEPA 1999 section 71 Notice with respect to alternative substances to phosphorus compounds in household laundry detergents, household dish-washing compounds and household cleaners ( PDF) ( Word) ( eSubmissions)
•  Guidance Document for completing the CEPA section 71 Notice ( PDF) ( Word)
• Declaration of non-engagement ( PDF) ( Word) ( eSubmissions)
• Stakeholder interest form ( PDF) ( Word) ( eSubmissions)

Contact Information

Comments or questions should be sent to:

DSL Surveys Coordinator
Chemicals Management Plan
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-888-228-0530 (in Canada) or 819-956-9313
Fax: 1-800-410-4314 (in Canada) or 819-953-4936
Email: DSL.SurveyCo@ec.gc.ca