Background

Established in October 1987, HMIRC, created by the HMIRA, is part of the federal government's commitment to the implementation of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

Amendments to the Hazardous Products Act (HPA), Part II of the Canada Labour Code (CLC), and provincial and territorial occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation require suppliers of hazardous products or employers using such products to disclose specific product information on the product's material safety data sheet (MSDS) and label.

Based on the recognition that certain product information may be confidential to a supplier or employer, HMIRC was established to provide an independent mechanism to evaluate both the validity of claims for limited exemption from disclosure, and the compliance of MSDSs and labels for these products. HMIRC is also responsible for convening and supporting independent appeal boards, to provide a mechanism for appealing decisions, undertakings and orders.

The HMIRR came into force in December 1987 and established the criteria to be used in reviewing claims for exemption. Amendments to these Regulations were made in October 1988, July 1991, May 1993, June 2002 and October 2008. The amendments dealt or deals with such matters as: the fees that must accompany a claim or appeal; the manner of calculating fees for both original claims and refiled claims; the information to be included in a claim; the form and manner of filing a claim; and the assignment of registry numbers.

To facilitate the submission of claims, HMIRC has developed a new Claim for Exemption Form which reflects the regulatory changes of October 2008. The form itself includes instructions on how to complete it.

Date Modified: 2010-12-15

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