Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)

• Risk management action milestones
• Adding substances to Schedule 1
• Final screening assessment and proposed risk management approach
• Draft screening assessment and risk management scope
• Background

Risk management action milestones

In May 2022, the proposed Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 156, No. 20 - May 14, 2022 for a 75-day public comment period. The proposed regulations would strengthen existing controls on certain harmful substances, including HBCD, and put new prohibitions in place for 2 substances.

In addition, a proposed order to amend Schedule 3 (the Export Control List) to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) was published for a 75-day public comment period. The objective of the proposed order is to establish export controls on certain substances, including HBCD, to help ensure Canada's continued compliance with the Rotterdam Convention. The proposed order would come into force on the day on which the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 come into force.

In December 2018, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada published the Consultation Document on Proposed Amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 for PFOS, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, HBCD, PBDEs, DP and DBDPE. The objective of the consultation document was to inform stakeholders of the proposed amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012, solicit comments and request information. Comments and information received in response to the consultation document were considered in the development of the proposed Regulations to Amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012.

In October 2018, a notice of intent was issued in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 152, No. 41 - October 13, 2018 indicating that the Department of the Environment and the Department of Health were initiating the development of amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. There was a 30-day consultation period associated with the publication. Comments received on the publication were considered in the development of the proposed Regulations to Amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012.

In October 2016, the Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II: Vol. 150, No. 20 - October 5, 2016 and came into force in December 2016. These amendments include controls on HBCD that prohibit HBCD and certain products containing the substance.

In April 2015, the proposed Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 149, No. 14 - April 4, 2015, for a 75-day public comment period. Comments received during this period were considered in the final development of these regulations. Comments and the Government's response are provided in the summary of public comments received on the proposed Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012.

In October 2012, a Consultation Document on the Proposed Risk Management Measure for Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was published. Comments and the Government's response are provided in the summary of public comments received on the consultation document on the proposed risk management measure for HBCD. Comments received were considered during the development of the proposed risk management action.

Adding substances to Schedule 1

HBCD has been added to Schedule 1.

• Final order adding HBCD: Canada Gazette, Part II: Vol. 146, No. 24 - November 21, 2012

Final screening assessment and proposed risk management approach

In November 2011, the Final Screening Assessment on Hexabromocyclododecane was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 145, No. 46 - November 12, 2011.

The final screening assessment concluded that HBCD meets one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of the CEPA 1999. Additionally, HBCD meets the criteria for persistence and bioaccumulation potential as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations.

A proposed Risk Management Approach on Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was also released on this date for a 60-day public comment period.

Draft screening assessment and risk management scope

In August 2010, the Draft Screening Assessment on HBCD was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 144 No. 35 - August 28, 2010 for a 60-day public comment period. A risk management scope was also released on this date.

The public comments received were considered and addressed within the final screening assessment, and are provided in the summary of public comments received on the risk management scope and draft screening assessment for HBCD.

Background

Before the launch of the Chemicals Management Plan in 2006, HBCD was selected for a screening assessment. Subsequently, under the categorization exercise, HBCD was identified as a high priority for screening assessment, as it met the criteria for persistence, bioaccumulation and inherent toxicity to aquatic life.