Canada Launches Mandatory DSL Survey to Industry for 2700 Substances

The Domestic Substances List Inventory Update (DSL IU) is an initiative put forward by Environment Canada to gather and update the information on all the medium priority DSL-listed substances which were not captured under the Substance Groupings Initiative.

10 December 2012

The Domestic Substances List Inventory Update (DSL IU) is an initiative put forward by Environment Canada to gather and update the information on all the medium priority DSL-listed substances which were not captured under the Substance Groupings Initiative. The information requested by Environment Canada under the DSL IU will benefit risk assessment and risk management activities, inform priority setting and contribute to monitoring trends. The key objectives of the DSL IU will be to update the "commercial status" of substances, assist in planning for the next phase of the CMP, inform the Rapid Screening Approach for lower-risk substances, and inform the Polymer Approach. Phase 1 of the DSL IU was initiated in 2009 and targeted ~500 chemicals and ~50 microorganisms. The deadline for data submission under Phase 1 of the DSL IU was March 30, 2010.

Phase 2 of the DSL IU, targeting ~2700 chemicals and polymers which were not captured in Phase 1, was published in the Canada Gazette on December 1, 2012 in the form of a Section 71 mandatory survey. Manufacturers and importers of these substances will be required to submit information pertaining to their specific use to Environment Canada using either the online Single Window Information Manager (SWIM) program or mail. The DSL IU involves a targeted approach with respect to reporting thresholds, the identification of which groups are required to report, as well as the categorization of manufactured items.

So, what do you need to do? To comply with the mandatory Section 71 survey, you'll need to collect, organize and report specific use and quantity information for any substances you manufacture or import at volumes that exceed the reporting thresholds. You will have to determine whether your substances meet those reporting thresholds based on raw sales data, and then compile that raw data and categorize your substances in order to prepare your response to the survey. If you do not have a SWIM account, you also may wish to set one up with Environment Canada, since preparing and submitting the information by mail can be extremely laborious and time consuming. Make sure you submit the information before the September 4, 2013 deadline, to ensure your company's compliance with this government program.

Do you have questions about the DSL Survey or related topic? Share your comments or questions below and one of our experts will get back to you.

Today's expert blogger is Joyce Borkhoff. Joyce is the Director of the Intertek Chemicals Group and is well known for her ability to effectively characterize and communicate the impacts of the regulatory environment on the chemical industry. She is frequently invited to contribute to trade magazines and to present her advice and experience to a wide range of SME and large multi-national audiences. Her technical and regulatory experience and her deep knowledge of the North American Chemical Industry, makes Ms. Borkhoff uniquely qualified to provide practical, best-in-class service to help meet and understand the requirements of the Canadian Chemical Management Plan (CMP) including the Challenge to Industry and the DSL Inventory Update.

Tags: Chemicals | Joyce Borkhoff