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The Significant New Activity (SNAc) Approach

Restrictions on re-introduction and new uses of existing chemical substances, using the Significant New Activity provisions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

As part of the Chemicals Management Plan, the Domestic Substances List (DSL) may be amended from time to time to indicate that the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) apply to some existing substances.

An amendment to the DSL will be made if Environment Canada or Health Canada suspect that a Significant New Activity in relation to a substance may result in the substance being released in amounts or conditions which would result in it meeting one or more criteria set out in section 64 of the Act. It will require that adequate additional information is provided by the proponent who wishes to manufacture, import or use the substance for activities indicated in the order. The additional information will allow Environment Canada and Health Canada to assess the potential environmental and human health risks associated with the new activities before they are undertaken.

Application of the SNAc provisions to existing substances