RegFacts: #DidYouKnow

A trigger quantity is not the same as a threshold. All toxins listed in Schedule 1 and Part 1 of Schedule 5 of the Human Pathogen and Toxins Act (the Act) have thresholds, but only some of the toxins have a trigger quantity. These toxins are listed in the Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations (the Regulations).

The threshold quantity listed in section 10(2) of the Regulations identifies the amount of that toxin that a facility can possess at any given time. If a toxin listed in this section is present in the facility in a quantity above or equal to the trigger quantity, it becomes a “prescribed toxin” under the Act. This will require a Human Pathogen and Toxins Act security clearance to have possession. If the amount of toxin present in the facility is below the trigger quantity, it is not a security sensitive biological agent; however, it remains a regulated toxin and is subject to the requirements of the Canadian Biosafety Standard under the associated minimum containment level.

If you have any questions about your licensing requirements under the Act and Regulations, please contact us by email at licence.permis@phac-aspc.gc.ca.