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. DIDA is found in some lubricants, cosmetics, and health products. If a company wants to use it above certain concentrations in consumer products, they'd need to submit safety information first. This gives regulators a chance to assess potential health risks before products hit shelves.

Why This Matters

Use lip liner or facial cleanser? This chemical might be in it. The government suspects DIDA could be harmful at certain levels, so they want a heads-up before companies put more of it in everyday products. It's about catching potential health risks before they reach your bathroom cabinet.

What Could Change

Companies would need to notify the government 90 days before using DIDA above set thresholds in consumer products, cosmetics, or health products. For example, cosmetics with more than 0.2% DIDA would trigger a review. Manufacturers who don't comply could face enforcement action under CEPA.

Key Issues

  • Should companies be required to notify the government before using DIDA in consumer products above certain concentrations?
  • Are the proposed concentration thresholds appropriate for different product types?
  • Is the 90-day notification period sufficient for safety assessment?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Chemical Substances information to understand the assessment behind this proposal.
  2. Submit 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