New Substances Assessment and Control Bureau
The New Substances Assessment and Control Bureau (NSACB) is responsible for the pre-manufacture or pre-import assessment of the potential health risks to the general population associated with new chemical substances such as fabric dyes and fuel additives, as well as products of biotechnology such as micro-organisms used in reclaiming land after an oil spill. For new substances covered by the  Food and Drugs Act (F&DA), both the environmental impact and risks to human health through environmental exposure to these substances are assessed within the Bureau. This work is carried out to ensure that no new substance is introduced into Canada on a commercial scale before it has been evaluated for its potential risks to human health and the environment. Some substances are reviewed at the research and development stage. This proactive approach to managing risks of new substances is one of the key objectives of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). If a risk is identified, measures are taken to reduce the risk by controlling or even banning the substance or product.
The Bureau is organized along three lines:
Also, refer to the New Substances Program, which is jointly administered by Environment Canada and Health Canada.
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