Canada Issues Polymers Mandatory Notice

The Canadian Government has issued a mandatory notice for those who imported, manufactured or used products containing polymers in Canada in 2014. 

As a part of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), Environment Canada and Health Canada are assessing and evaluating the possible risks to the environment and public health surrounding polymer substances, which are commonly used in cosmetics. This Mandatory Section 71 Notice is due to the Minister of the Environment, in particular the Substances Management Coordinator no later than 5 pm ET on December 3, 2015.

Polymers are chemical substances that are created through the addition of identical small molecules to create a larger molecule via the extraction of water or alcohol. There are approximately 600 polymer substances that are known and 302 qualify to be documented through this notice by the companies who use these polymers if sufficient quantities are being imported.

Companies can determine if they are subject to the notice and gain assistance with completing the various sections of the notice through Environment Canada's guidance document.

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