Certain azo disperse dyes: release guidelines overview

The release guidelines for Disperse Yellow 3 and 25 other azo disperse dyes in the textile sector have been in effect since September 5, 2020.

Objective

The release guidelines recommend standard release limits and daily use limits for Disperse Yellow 3 and 25 other azo disperse dyes with molar weights below 360 g/mol from specific textile activities. The release guidelines also recommend best practices that facilities can adopt to limit releases of Disperse Yellow 3 and the other azo disperse dyes to the environment.

Target audience

The release guidelines apply to any person or entity who owns or operates a textile dye formulation or textile dyeing facility, and releases effluent containing any of the 26 azo disperse dyes listed in the release guidelines.

Adopting the release guidelines

If the release guidelines apply to your facility, you are encouraged to:

• complete the declaration of the operator to inform the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change of your intention to implement the release guidelines
• implement best practices to limit and control the release of the 26 azo disperse dyes listed in the release guidelines
• monitor the release and usage of azo disperse dyes from your facility to ensure that you are meeting the limits
• submit conformity evaluation reports containing information about the quantity of disperse dyes used and/or the concentration of disperse dyes released at the final discharge point of the facility

Read the release guidelines

Release guidelines for Disperse Yellow 3 and 25 other azo disperse dyes in the textile sector

Reporting

If the release guidelines apply to your facility, you are encouraged to:

• submit the Declaration of the operator no later than March 5, 2021, or 6 months before your initial use of any of the 26 azo disperse dyes
• submit a conformity evaluation report no later than March 31, 2021, and every year thereafter if the 26 azo disperse dyes are still in use

You should send your declaration and reports by email to ec.produits-products.ec@canada.ca.

Performance results to date

Performance results from the release guidelines are not yet available.

Related information

• Screening assessment of certain azo Disperse Dyes
• Risk management approach for Disperse Yellow 3
• Chemicals Management Plan

Past consultations

• Consultation document on the options for addressing aromatic azo and benzidine-based substances with effects of concern (2017)
• Consultation on options for addressing certain aromatic azo and benzidine-based substances: comments received (2019) 
• Proposed release guidelines (2019)
• Response to comments on the proposed release guidelines

Contact us

Products Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

Email: ec.produits-products.ec@canada.ca