New Canadian Consumer Product Safety Laws Now in Force

Under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act of 2010, more stringent obligations affecting consumer product manufacturers selling or distributing products in Canada are in force as of June 2011. 

Among the key changes are mandatory reporting to Health Canada of "incidents" that occur anywhere in the world including serious injuries, product defects, labeling problems or a recall initiated by any foreign authority.  Health Canada now has the power to order recalls of consumer products with or without the cooperation of a manufacturer.  The new provisions impose increased civil and criminal penalties and fines for manufacturers that fail to comply.

Manufacturers should review their procedures for selling and distributing products in Canada to ensure that they will meet all new requirements.