Canada Consults Over Proposed Restriction on Benzophenone in Coating Products

SafeGuardSHardgoodsMarch 09, 2026

SG 038/26

Canada moves to tighten controls on benzophenone in paint, stain and coating products.

On February 14, 2026, Health Canada launched a 60-day consultation to restrict benzophenone in paint, stain and/or coating products. An assessment of this substance concluded that it poses a danger to human health that meets the criteria under section 64(c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA).

Key highlights of the planned restriction are summarized in Table 1.

Substance	Scope	Requirement²
Benzophenone	Exterior, interior and dual interior/exterior paint, stain¹ and/or coating products	≤ 2,000 mg/kg (0.2% w/w) (wet sample)
¹A specialized material applies to a surface that is fully absorbed into the substrate to provide protection and enhance its appearance. ²Mandates record keeping and reporting to the Minister of Health

Substance

Scope

Requirement²

Benzophenone

Exterior, interior and dual interior/exterior paint, stain¹ and/or coating products

≤ 2,000 mg/kg (0.2% w/w) (wet sample)

¹A specialized material applies to a surface that is fully absorbed into the substrate to provide protection and enhance its appearance.

²Mandates record keeping and reporting to the Minister of Health

Table 1

Comments will be accepted until April 15, 2026.

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