On 11 May 2024, the Canadian Department of Environment published a notice proposing amendments to the Domestic Substance List (DSL) and introducing significant new activity (SNAC) notification requirements for certain consumer and cosmetic uses of piperazine.

Amendments to be considered following the implementation of the draft:

• Significant New Activity Notification (SNAN): The Order amending the DSL proposes that individuals or corporations undertaking significant new activities with a substance must submit a Significant New Activity Notification (SNAN) at least 90 days before the activity begins.
• Human Health Concerns: The Order aims to address human health concerns by targeting the use of the substance in consumer products and cosmetics, as these are potential sources of direct exposure.
• Notification Requirements: SNAC notification is required for the use of piperazine in the manufacture of consumer products and cosmetics if the concentration of the substance is equal to or greater than 0.1% by weight, and for the import of the substance in consumer products if the total quantity is greater than 10 kg per year.
• Exemptions: An activity is not a SNAC if the substance is a R&D substance, a site-limited intermediate or if the substance or the product containing the substance is only intended for export.

Assessment report

Along with the notice the Department of Environment and the Department of Health have published the piperazine assessment study, which concludes that piperazine has a low risk of environmental impact.

Piperazine does not meet the criteria outlined in paragraphs 64(a) and (b) of CEPA because it does not enter the environment in a quantity or concentrations or under conditions, that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity, or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

Comment deadline

The draft Notice draft is open for public comment for the next 60 days, until 10 July 2024.