Canada Chemical Actions Update

Regulatory Developments on Decenes, C3–C5 Alcohols & Flame Retardants
Issue Date: December 2025

Canada has released significant updates under its Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), including new screening assessments and proposals affecting multiple industrial chemical groups. These developments are relevant to manufacturers of consumer products, lubricants, coatings, polymers, adhesives, electronics, flame-retardant materials, and imported articles.

This newsletter summarizes three key regulatory updates:

• Decenes Group
• Selected C3–C5 Alcohols Group
• Flame Retardants Group

1. Decenes Group – Final Screening Assessment & Proposed Risk Management

Regulatory Status

Canada published the Final Screening Assessment and Proposed Risk Management Approach for substances in the Decenes Group, including hydrogenated didecene and HTTD.

A 60-day public consultation opened. It is from November 22, 2025 to January 21, 2026.

Key Findings

• Potential human health risks identified due to inhalation exposure from spray and aerosol products such as lubricants, firearm cleaners, and maintenance sprays.
• Low ecological risk at current exposure levels.
• Substances proposed for inclusion in CEPA Schedule 1 (List of Toxic Substances).

Implications

• Possible upcoming restrictions on aerosol/spray applications containing these substances.
• Companies should begin supply chain assessments and risk reduction planning.

2. Selected C3–C5 Alcohols Group – Final Screening Assessment Published

Substances Covered

• 1-Propanol
• 2-Propanol (Isopropanol)
• Propylene glycol
• 1-Pentanol
• Isobutanol
• Tert-Butanol

Key Findings

• No human health or environmental risks identified.
• Substances do not meet CEPA Section 64 criteria.
• No risk management actions proposed.

Implications

Industries using these alcohols — including cosmetics, coatings, cleaners, adhesives, paints — may continue operations without changes.

Monitoring for future CMP updates is recommended but no action is required now.

3. Flame Retardants Group – Updated Assessments & Risk Management Scope

Substances in Focus

Updated assessments were released for two key flame retardants:

• Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP)
• Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP)

Key Findings

• New data indicates potential human health risks at current exposure levels for both TPHP and TBOEP.
• A Risk Management Scope document is open for a 60-day consultation from November 22, 2025.
• Other flame retardants (e.g., TEHP, BEHP) were found to pose no health or environmental risks.

Potential Regulatory Actions

Controls or restrictions may target sectors using these flame retardants, including:

• Electronics
• Foams and cushioning
• Textiles
• Plastics and adhesives
• Coatings and sealants

Implications

Companies involved in electronics, automotive interiors, furniture, packaging, and polymeric materials should begin:

• Substitution planning
• Alternative flame retardant assessments
• Compliance readiness reviews

Recommended actions for indsutries

For the Decenes Group

• Identify all aerosol and spray products containing hydrogenated decenes.
• Prepare for potential CEPA Schedule 1 controls.

For C3–C5 Alcohols

• No immediate action required.
• Continue monitoring CMP updates.

For Flame Retardants

• Review supply chain use of TPHP and TBOEP.
• Begin conceptualizing safer alternatives or reformulation strategies.

Importance of the Update

• Highlights Canada’s proactive chemical safety approach.
• Reinforces growing scrutiny on inhalation risks and consumer product exposures.
• Shows alignment with EU and U.S. regulatory trends on industrial chemicals and flame retardants.
• Essential for industries operating in global supply chains.

Upcoming Milestones

Public comment periods are currently open for:

• Decenes Group
• TPHP & TBOEP (Flame Retardants)

Further steps expected:

• Final CEPA Schedule 1 decisions in upcoming CMP cycles.
• Potential proposals for product-specific restrictions.
• Additional flame retardant evaluations based on consultation feedback.

References: Chemical Management Plan