On June 27, 2026, the Government of Canada published the final assessment of the Alkanolamines and Fatty Alkanolamides Group and a related SNAc notice in Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 160, Number 26.
The assessment concluded that none, of 11 substances in the grouping, meet the toxicity criteria under section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA).
However, four substances of potential interest to the cosmetics sector, diethanolamine (DEA), lauramide DEA, cocamide DEA and triethanolamine (TEA), were identified as having sufficient health effects of concern to be proposed for inclusion on the CEPA Watch List. In addition, the Government is proposing to apply SNAc provisions to these four substances to ensure that any significant new uses are notified and assessed.
A summary of the proposed SNAc triggers is provided below. Please note that this summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the requirements set out in the Canada Gazette notice. Members should review the full notice in detail to determine whether their specific products and uses are implicated.
Substances Subject to Proposed SNAcs
| Chemical Name | CAS RN | INCI Name | Annual Trigger Volume | Concentration Trigger by Product Category |
| Ethanol, 2,2′-iminobis- | 111-42-2 | Diethanolamine (DEA) | 10-kg | Cleaning spray or all-purpose cleaning liquid >3%
No Trigger for Cosmetic Use *DEA is prohibited on The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist |
| Dodecanamide, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)- | 120-40-1 | Lauramide DEA | 10-kg | Leave-on cosmetic product >2.5%
|
| Amides, coco, N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl) | 68603-42-9 | Cocamide DEA | 10-kg | Cleaning spray or all-purpose cleaning liquid >12.5
Shampoo or liquid body soap >21% Leave-on cosmetic product > 0.5% |
| Ethanol, 2,2′,2”-nitrilotris- | 102-71-6 | Triethanolamine (TEA) | 10-kg | Air Freshener > 4%
Non-fluoridated toothpaste > 5% Non-fluoridated mouthwash > 1% |
Comments on the proposed SNAcs may be submitted during the 60-day public comment period, which closes on August 27, 2026.
CA Canada is reviewing both the final assessment and the proposed SNAcs. We will convene a meeting of our technical committee to discuss potential impacts and prepare any comments required. Members with an interest in any of these substances are asked to review the final assessment, particularly the use and exposure information considered by the Government, as well as the proposed SNAcs. Please share any relevant information with the CA regulatory team as soon as possible. This will help ensure that any comments submitted accurately reflect current industry uses and provide the Government with the most current and complete information available.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the publication, you can reach out to the Substances Management Information Line at substances@ec.gc.ca or 1-800-567-1999 (within Canada) / 819-938-3232 (outside Canada). You can also contact your CA Regulatory Team at regulatory@cosmeticsalliance.ca.
