The Government of Canada has released a revised risk management scope for the industrial chemical Phenol, methylstyrenated (MSP), signaling potential new regulatory controls under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The move follows updated scientific findings indicating that MSP may pose risks to aquatic ecosystems if released into the environment.

Why Phenol, Methylstyrenated is under review?

Phenol, methylstyrenated (CAS No. 68512-30-1) is a complex organic substance primarily used in industrial paints and protective coatings, particularly for heavy equipment, marine vessels, and industrial infrastructure.

Although MSP was previously assessed in 2008 and considered low-risk due to minimal use in Canada, recent regulatory notifications and market activity have revealed ongoing and increased use. These developments prompted Canadian authorities to re-evaluate the substance under updated CEPA provisions.

MSP has been subject to a Significant New Activity (SNAc) Order, requiring companies to notify regulators of new uses or imports. Multiple notifications received since 2015 triggered the latest reassessment.

Updated Assessment Identifies Ecological Risk

According to a draft assessment published in Canada Gazette, Part I on January 17, 2026, MSP meets the criteria set out in CEPA paragraph 64(a). This classification means the substance is entering—or may enter—the environment at levels that could cause harm to the environment or biological diversity, particularly aquatic organisms.

The reassessment highlights several key concerns:

  • Environmental persistence, with components remaining in ecosystems for extended periods
  • Bioaccumulation, especially in aquatic organisms
  • Inherent aquatic toxicity, with laboratory studies showing harmful effects at low concentrations

The assessment notes that MSP does not currently present a significant risk to human health, and concerns are limited primarily to environmental exposure.

Proposed Regulatory Measures

Based on these findings, the Government of Canada proposes recommending MSP for inclusion in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (the “Toxic Substances List”) under CEPA. While this designation does not automatically ban the substance, it enables the government to implement enforceable risk management measures.

The primary action under consideration is an amendment to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025, which could prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, and import of MSP and products containing it.

Proposed controls would apply not only to MSP itself, but also to:

  • Industrial and protective coatings containing MSP
  • Imported manufactured items coated with MSP, such as ships, vehicles, and industrial equipment
  • Other products incorporating MSP as part of their formulation

In addition, Canada plans to add MSP to Part 3 of the Export Control List, introducing regulatory oversight for exports of the substance and MSP-containing products.

Limited exemptions may be considered in exceptional cases, based on socio-economic and technical factors, though the overarching goal is the elimination of MSP releases into surface waters.

Environmental and Risk Management Objectives

The revised scope outlines clear targets:

  • Environmental objective: Prevent MSP concentrations that could harm aquatic ecosystems, including maintaining levels below protective thresholds such as 0.024 µg/L for the most toxic components.
  • Risk management objective: Minimize and ultimately prevent releases of MSP into surface waters from industrial activities and coating applications.

Stakeholder Consultation and Data Requests

As part of the consultation process, the government is seeking additional input from industry, researchers, and other stakeholders by March 18, 2026. Requested information includes:

  • Socio-economic impacts of the proposed controls
  • Availability and feasibility of alternative substances
  • Current imports and uses of MSP in manufactured items
  • Analytical methods for detecting MSP in environmental media and products

Authorities note that MSP-free coatings are already available, although some stakeholders report performance advantages associated with MSP-based formulations.

International Regulatory Context

MSP is also recognized internationally as a chemical of concern. In the European Union, it has been identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under the REACH Regulation, reflecting similar concerns around persistence and bioaccumulation.

Next Steps in the Regulatory Process

If the recommendation to add MSP to Schedule 1 of CEPA is finalized:

  • A proposed risk management instrument must be published within 24 months
  • Final regulatory measures must be completed within 18 months thereafter

Public comments and stakeholder input will play a key role in shaping the final regulatory approach.

Source: evaluating-existing-substances/revised-risk-management-scope-phenol-methylstyrenated

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