Canada | Order 2023-66-04-01 Amending the Domestic Substances List: SOR/2023-51

The Canadian Minister of Environment, Steven Guilbeault, has announced the amendment of the Domestic Substances List (DSL) with the publication of Order 2023-66-04-01 in the Canada Gazette. The amendment involves removing two types of Bacillus polymyxa from Part 5 of the list and adding two Paenibacillus polymyxa to the same category. As per the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, it is mandatory for the Minister of the Environment to maintain the DSL. Therefore, the changes have been made under subsection 66(1) of the Act.

Bacillus polymyxa and Paenibacillus polymyxa are primarily found in soil and the rhizosphere, so they are not typically used as ingredients in consumer products. However, these bacteria can be used in agriculture as soil inoculants or biofertilizers to promote plant growth and improve soil health.

Bacillus polymyxa has also been studied for its potential use in bioremediation, which is the use of living organisms to remove pollutants from the environment. Paenibacillus polymyxa has been used in the production of antibiotics and other biologically active compounds.

It is essential for companies that manufacture and sell products in Canada to keep a close watch on changes made to the DSL. The latest amendment demonstrates that the list is regularly updated based on scientific evidence and risk assessments. Failure to comply with the regulations mentioned in the DSL could result in legal liabilities, regulatory penalties, and harm to the company's reputation. Therefore, companies should monitor the DSL to ensure that their products comply with all applicable regulations.