Should Antimicrobial-Treated Medical Devices Be Exempt from Pesticide Rules?
Official title: Regulations Amending the Pest Control Products Regulations (Antimicrobial-treated Class I Medical Devices), Notice of Intent NOI2025-01
Health Canada wants to simplify how antimicrobial-treated medical devices are regulated. Right now, items like wheelchairs, manual toothbrushes, and compression stockings that contain germ-killing coatings fall under pesticide rules. The proposal would exempt these Class I devices since they're already regulated under medical device rules.
Why This Matters
Use a wheelchair, compression stockings, or even a manual toothbrush? Some of these products have antimicrobial coatings to prevent germs. This change would streamline how they're approved—potentially getting safer products to market faster without duplicate regulatory hoops.
What Could Change
Class I medical devices with antimicrobial preservatives would no longer need separate pesticide registration. Manufacturers would only need to meet medical device regulations under the Food and Drugs Act. This could reduce costs and approval times for products like treated wheelchairs and toothbrushes.
Key Issues
- Should Class I medical devices with antimicrobial coatings be exempt from pesticide regulations?
- Are medical device regulations sufficient to address safety risks of antimicrobial-treated products?
How to Participate
- Review the Consultation Document to understand the proposed regulatory changes.
- Submit your feedback by email to pmra.regulatory.affairs-affaires.reglementaires.arla@hc-sc.gc.ca or by mail to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT | PMRA Information Session on Proposed Amendment | Virtual |