The chemical compound “2,4,11,13-Tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N,N”-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino- (Chlorhexidine)” and its salts were added to Part 2 of Schedule 1 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) on February 12, 2025, when the Canadian government issued Order 2025-13 (SOR/2025-13). An important milestone in Canada’s efforts to regulate dangerous substances and protect the environment and public health is reached when the regulation goes into force upon registration.

Background

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials like chlorhexidine and its salts are frequently utilized in industrial settings, personal care products, and medical disinfection. But according to a 2019 scientific evaluation by ecosystem and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada, the material poses long-term hazards to aquatic life and the ecosystem since it satisfies the ecological toxicity requirements under section 64(a) of the CEPA. The Environment and Health Ministers jointly suggested tighter CEPA rules in light of these findings.

Regulatory Process

A 60-day public consultation period began on March 6, 2021, when the proposed modification was published in Part I of the Canada Gazette. The government decided to place chlorhexidine and its salts in Schedule 1, Part 2 in order to limit their usage and encourage safer substitutes after considering input from the public, environmental organizations, and industry stakeholders.

The newly regulated substances: When the regulation goes into effect, the impacted industries are required to adhere to CEPA-mandated discharge limits and risk management procedures. Through recurring evaluations and enforcement measures, federal, provincial, and territory authorities will work together to guarantee compliance.

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