On May 29, 2025, amendments adding benzyl chloride and propionic anhydride to Schedule V of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) came into effect and will last until May 28, 2026, unless they’re moved to another schedule sooner. Controls for phenethyl bromide have been active since April 14, 2025. Activities like import, export, production, and trafficking of these substances are prohibited without Health Canada’s authorization.
We expect that most CA Canada member activities with Benzyl Chloride will fall under a class exemption. This class exemption allows for activities with mixtures/preparations containing up to 30% of these substances. If you have other legitimate activities not covered by the exemption, organizations and individuals can request an exemption under subsection 56(1) of the CDSA. For exemption requests or questions, contact precursors-precurseurs@hc-sc.gc.ca.
For questions about these amendments, please feel free to contact us at regulatory@cosmeticsalliance.ca or contact the department directly at csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc@hc-sc.gc.ca.
