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Canada proposed regulatory framework for nanomaterials

Published: Monday 10 September 2007

Environment Canada (EC) and Health Canada (HC) have released a document entitled Proposed Regulatory Framework for Nanomaterials Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (Proposed Framework).  

The document provides background information on nanomaterials and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 as well as information on the proposal for developing an effective regulatory framework for nanomaterials:

  • A brief overview of the science and impacts of nanomaterials;
  • The role of the New Substances Program in conducting risk assessments;
  • The proposed approach for a regulatory framework for nanomaterials under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;
  • Options for information gathering initiatives; and
  • Path forward for Government and stakeholders.

The published document notes that the 'proposal for the development of a responsible regulatory framework under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 consists of two phases as international and domestic activities progress: [...]

  • Phase 1 (started fall 2006)
  1. Continue work with international partners to develop scientific and research capacities (OECD, ISO).
  2. Inform potential notifiers of their regulatory responsibilities under the current framework.
  3. Develop initiatives to gather information from industry on the uses, properties, and effects of nanomaterials.
  4. Consider whether amendments to CEPA 1999 or the NSNR would be needed to facilitate the risk assessment and management of nanomaterials.
  • Phase 2 (starting 2008)
  1. Resolution of terminology and nomenclature by ISO TC229.
  2. Consider establishing data requirements under the NSNR specific to nanomaterials.
  3. Consider the use of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provision of CEPA 1999 to require notification of nanoscale forms of substances already on the DSL.

Follow these links to find out more (Environment Canada website), to download the Proposed Framework, or to request a copy of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.’s memorandum on the Proposed Framework.