Canada Proposes Adding Boric Acid, Its Salts, and Precursors to Toxic Substances List

In March 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada jointly announced a proposal to add boric acid, its salts, and precursor substances to Part 2 of Schedule 1 (Toxic Substances List) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). This regulatory action aims to strengthen control over environmental and health risks associated with these substances, following an assessment conducted under Section 68 of CEPA.

Assessment Findings and Regulatory Basis 

The revised draft assessment indicates that boron-containing substances capable of releasing boric acid through all transformation pathways (including hydrolysis, oxidation, digestion, or metabolism) under environmentally or physiologically relevant conditions (e.g., pH and concentration levels) meet CEPA Section 64 criteria for toxicity. This determination is based on potential risks to biodiversity, environmental integrity, and human health. The evaluation covers all boron-containing substances on Canada's Domestic Substances List with potential boric acid release pathways.

Public Consultation Process 

The government concurrently released an updated Risk Management Scope document, with the public comment period remaining open until May 7, 2025. Stakeholders may submit written comments addressing:

1. Proposed regulatory measures
2. Relevant scientific rationale (accessible via the "Chemical Substances" portal on the Government of Canada website)

Submission Methods

• by email to substances@ec.gc.ca; or
• by using the online reporting system available through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Further Information

Canada Gazette