Should New Uses of DIDA Chemical in Consumer Products Require Safety Review?

Official title: Notice of intent to amend the Domestic Substances List under subsection 87(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to indicate that subsection 81(3)of that Act applies to the substance hexanedioic acid, diisodecyl ester, also known as DIDA

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Health & Safety
The government wants to require companies to notify them before using a chemical called DIDA in new ways in consumer products, cosmetics, and over-the-counter drugs. Why? Health Canada suspects DIDA could be harmful at certain concentrations. If you manufacture or import products containing this substance, you'd need to submit safety information before launching new uses.

Why This Matters

Use lip liner, lubricants, or natural health products? This chemical might be in them. The government is trying to catch potentially harmful uses before products hit shelves. For most people, this is behind-the-scenes safety work. But if you work in cosmetics or consumer goods manufacturing, pay attention.

What Could Change

Companies would need to notify Environment Canada at least 90 days before using DIDA in new consumer products, cosmetics, or drugs above certain thresholds. For example, cosmetics other than lip liner would trigger notification at just 0.2% concentration. The government could then assess health risks before the product launches.

Key Issues

  • Should companies be required to notify the government before using DIDA in new consumer products?
  • Are the proposed concentration thresholds appropriate for different product types?
  • Is 90 days sufficient notice for the government to assess health risks?

How to Participate

  1. Review the chemical substances assessment to understand the health concerns about DIDA.
  2. Submit your comments by email to substances@ec.gc.ca, citing Canada Gazette Part I and the publication date (October 25, 2025).
  3. Or use Environment and Climate Change Canada's Single Window online reporting system.

Key Documents