Frequently Asked Questions - Controlled Products Regulations

This document is an unofficial summary of the Regulations. It is not intended to substitute for, supersede or limit the requirements under the applicable legislation. In case of any discrepancy between this summary and the legislation, the legislation will prevail.

What is the purpose of this regulation?

The  Hazardous Products Act (HPA) requires suppliers/importers of hazardous chemicals (called controlled products) to communicate the hazards associated with their products via product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as a condition of sale and importation for workplace use.

The  Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) specify the hazard criteria for controlled products and requirements for product labels and MSDSs.

The HPA and CPR are part of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), which is Canada's national hazard communication standard for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. The objective of this national program is to help ensure the protection of Canadian workers from the adverse effects of controlled products through the provision of relevant information while minimizing the economic impact on industry and the disruption of trade.

What are the key elements of this regulation?

The key elements of the CPR are:

  1. Classification criteria for health and physical hazards associated with controlled products;
  2. Product labels to provide information to employers and workers about the hazards of controlled products; and
  3. MSDSs to provide more detailed information concerning the hazards of controlled products.

How does this regulation affect Canadian businesses?

In the context of the HPA, the CPR requires suppliers/importers of hazardous chemicals intended for workplace uses to classify their products and communicate the hazards on product labels and MSDSs to purchasers.

What is the timeline for implementation?

The CPR came into force in 1988.

Where can I get more information on the Controlled Products Regulations?

Workplace Hazardous Materials Directorate
Health Canada
269 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
E-mail: WHMIS_SIMDUT@hc-sc.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-855-407-2665
Teletypewriter: 1-800-465-7735 (Service Canada)

For More Information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the  Canada Gazette and  Consulting with Canadians websites.

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