Canada Issued Section 71 Chemical Substance Notices
The government mandate requires companies to report data for 200 chemical substances used in 2025.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Chemistry
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On August 29, 2026, Canada published two mandatory Section 71 notices under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. These notices require companies to submit information regarding 200 specific chemical substances based on data from the 2025 reporting year.
Why it matters
This regulatory action supports the national effort to collect data necessary for the prioritization, risk assessment, and risk management of chemical substances currently in use. By gathering this information, authorities aim to improve the safety and environmental oversight of chemicals across the country.
The mandate covers 184 substances in Phase 1 and 16 substances in Phase 2, with respondents required to report information they possess or can reasonably access. The reporting year for all data submitted under this process is 2025.
The players
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
This federal legislation provides the legal framework for the protection of the environment and human health in Canada.
The details
Companies are required to submit their information through the Section 71 Chemicals Management Plan 2026 reporting process. This mandatory reporting applies to all entities that possess or have reasonable access to data on the identified substances.
Timeline
August 29, 2026: Canada published the Section 71 notices.
October 14, 2026: The first information session for stakeholders is scheduled.
March 3, 2027: Responses for Phase 1 notices are due.
March 4, 2027: The Phase 2 reporting period begins.
September 8, 2027: Responses for Phase 2 notices are due.
Deeper Dive
This action follows the regulatory framework established by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to manage substances of concern. It represents a systematic shift toward enhanced data collection that informs the national risk assessment protocols.
For businesses handling these substances, the mandate requires the immediate allocation of resources to meet the 2027 filing deadlines. Accurate reporting will be essential to ensure compliance and avoid potential regulatory penalties under the act.
The takeaway
Companies should begin preparing their 2025 records now to meet the upcoming submission deadlines for these 200 substances. Utilizing the scheduled government information sessions can provide essential clarity on reporting expectations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest regulatory updates in Chemistry.
More information
Review the official guidelines by visiting Responding to Chemicals Management Plan Notices.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Law Review - A Free To Use Nationwide Database of Legal Publications.
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