International requirements for the prevention of pollution from chemical tankers are contained in Annex II of MARPOL, Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk. Annex II contains requirements applicable to ships carrying NLS in bulk for categorizing NLS; discharging of NLS residues or mixtures; pumping, piping and unloading arrangements; reception facilities; unloading procedures including efficient stripping and tank washing; cargo record book; surveys; International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk; compliance with the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) or the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code) by chemical tankers; carrying and discharging oil-like NLS; Procedures and Arrangements Manuals; and shipboard marine pollution emergency plans.

The international provisions in Annex II of MARPOL have been incorporated into Canadian legislation in the Dangerous Chemicals and Noxious Liquid Substances Regulations. These regulations apply the Annex II discharge provisions in Canadian coastal waters but stricter discharge provisions are applied in Canadian internal and Arctic waters (see the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act and the Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations for requirements in Arctic waters).

The Pollutant Substances Regulations prohibit the discharge of a variety of substances in waters under Canadian jurisdiction. The list of substances in these regulations is based upon the list of substances identified as pollutants under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. 

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