Why was the policy introduced?
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented situation leading to concerns around supply shortages for workplace hazardous cleaning products. Suppliers, who were identifying a growing global demand for cleaning products, informed Health Canada of potential shortages. In order to support the health and safety of Canadians, Health Canada implemented an Interim Policy on April 27, 2020, as a temporary, short-term measure (with the promise of lifting the policy when supply stabilized).
Which Products were affected?
Health Canada’s interim policy for workplace cleaning products covers the following cleaning products regulated under the HPA/HPR and, as applicable, HMIRA:
- Cleaning products with primary purpose to clean, bleach or scour surfaces
- products used only to polish, protect or improve the appearance of surfaces are excluded
- Laundry and dishwashing products used mainly to clean
- fabric softeners or other products are excluded
Lifting the policy
The interim policy will be lifted as of April 29, 2022 (today). Meaning that all products will be expected to fully meet Canadian labelling and information regulatory requirements (set out by HPR) before being accepted for importation.
For any questions on the policy, please refer to the Lifting the interim policy for cleaning products for use, handling or storage in workplaces (Covid-19) Notice, or contact by email at whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Ensuring your Product Compliance
To ensure your products for import to Canada, review your product documentation against all regulatory requirements and make updates as necessary:
- Hazardous Products Act (HPA)
- Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR)
- Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA), if applicable
Or
Contact Nexreg for our experts to conduct a comprehensive label review of your product. Currently we offer chemical label reviews for a large number of jurisdictions, for compliance with both industrial (workplace) and consumer regulations. These label reviews will be completed in the appropriate language for the specific jurisdiction, and any other language that you may require.