This paper describes the approach that Environment Canada proposes as the basis for rapid and efficient handling of existing substances believed to be of low ecological concern. This approach paper is based on a proposal that was presented by the Existing Substances Division (ESD) at a technical meeting between members of Environment Canada, Health Canada, the Industry Coordinating Group (ICG) and the Canadian Environmental Network (CEN) in Ottawa, Ontario on May 25, 2006. The approach has been modified based on discussions at, and subsequent to this meeting.