Canada

Canada DSL and NDSL

Little Pro on 2015-12-31

Canada Domestic Substances List (DSL) is an inventory of approximately 23 000 substances manufactured in, imported into or used in Canada. Substances on DSL do not require new substance notification unless they are subject to a "significant new activity" regulation.

Non-domestic Substance List (NDSL) contains substances that are not on the DSL but are listed on TSCA inventory in the United States. There are more than 58 000 entries in NDSL. Substances that are not on the DSL but are listed on the NDSL are subject to new substance notification with reduced requirements.

Like TSCA inventory, both DSL and NDSL have two parts: public and confidential portion. The public portion of DSL and NDSL can be searched via the link below.

Canada DSL Domestic Substances List

Tips on Searching Canada DSL/NDSL

The engine above does not work well with substance names. Please use CAS number if possible. To search the confidential section of DSL/NDSL, you may submit a Notice of Bona Fide Intent to Manufacture or Import to Environment Canada.

How to Comply with Canada DSL/NDSL Requirements?

Before you export any substance (on its own or in a mixture) to Canada, it is crucial that you determine whether the substance to be exported to Canada is listed on the DSL or on the Non-domestic Substances List (NDSL). Substances that are not listed on DSL will be regarded as new substances and need to be notified. Please be noted that small volume of new substances are exempt from new substance notification in Canada unless their quantities have reached volume trigger.

Significant New Activity

Significant new activities can apply to existing substances on the Domestic Substances List or to new substances. A significant new activity is an alternative use of a substance or other activity that results or may result in:

  • a significantly greater quantity or concentration of the substance in the environment; or
  • a significantly different manner or circumstances of exposure to the substance.

If there is a suspicion that a significant new activity may result in the substance becoming toxic, the substance can be subject to a Significant New Activity Notice. The Notice communicates the criteria under which the government must be re-notified. The government assesses the new information on the substance to determine if it is toxic in relation to the significant new activity.

View the List of Substances Subject to Significant New Activity Notice

Reference & Resources

Click here to access all references and resources for Canada including regulations, regulatory lists and useful links to the websites of competent authorities.

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 Tags: Topics - CanadaExisting Chemical Inventory