In Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Act protects consumers by “addressing or preventing dangers to human health or safety that are posed by consumer products in Canada, including those that circulate within Canada and those that are imported.” The Act does not apply to tobacco products, natural health products, or other products outlined in Schedule 1 of the Act, but for the products that are applicable, the Act serves to protect the public in the following ways:
- Bans the sale of certain products and chemicals that are known dangers, such as ‘Kite strings made of a material that conducts electricity’ and ‘Polycarbonate baby bottles that contain 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (bisphenol A).’;
- Prohibits false or misleading claims on the package, label, or advertising of the product regarding its safety;
- Requires manufacturers to perform testing to ensure their product meets minimum safety criteria, and to keep various documentation about the product;
- Collects data and requires manufacturers to report on product incidents resulting in injury, illness, or death to an individual, such as known defects or insufficient instructions; and,
- Allows authorities to issue stop sale orders or recalls if there is known or suspected danger from a product, with the possibility of monetary penalties and/or jail time for violations of the Act.
Many other countries have their own versions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. For more information about consumer protection regulations around the world, contact a Nexreg representative—we’re happy to help!