You Should Know

A great deal is a great deal. Usually. But if you're out of the country and find that great deal, you better be sure you're allowed to bring it across the border. Some products are indeed prohibited in Canada, others must meet safety requirements (which tend to be stricter in Canada – that's a good thing) before being allowed to pass.

Here's what you need to know before you go. And before that great deal turns out to be a great waste of money.

Prohibited products

The following is a partial list of consumer products that are prohibited for sale, importation and advertisement in Canada and subject to being detained at the border.

Regulated products

The following is a partial list of consumer products that must meet Canadian safety requirements. It is illegal to import, sell or advertise thee products in Canada if they do not meet all of the following requirements. They are subject to being detained at the border. The following information can be used as a guide – it does not cover all safety requirements and more information can be found at Health Canada.

Baby gates:

• A label containing the following information must be permanently affixed to the gate:

1. Name and place of the Canadian business for the manufacturer, importer or distributor;
2. Model name or number;
3. Date of manufacture;
4. Warning statements, in English and French, about the intended use, age limits and installation.

• Assembly instructions, in English and French, must accompany the product.
• Openings in a gate must be small enough to prevent a child from placing their head through the holes.
• Every exposed wooden, metal pr plastic part must be smoothly finished and free of splinters, burrs, cracks, and other defects.

Car seats:

• All car seats must have a National Safety Mark on them. This means that they comply to t he appropriate Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) [No. 213, 213.1, 213.2 (Note: 213.5 car bed – legal for use in Canada only with a prescription)].
• A label or text moulded into the plastic containing the following information, in English and French, must be permanently affixed to the product:

1. Name and address of manufacturer, importer or retailer;
2. Model name and number;
3. Date of manufacture;
4. Statements for weight and height of user;
5. Characteristics of vehicles in which the product is not to be used;
6. Warning statements;
7. Installation diagrams.

• The instructions, in English and French, for proper installation and use must be provided with the product.
• All forward-facing car seats must have a tether strap.
• All car seats must have a functional restraint system (harness system).

For further information on car seats, including recalls, visit Transport Canada.

Cribs:

• A label containing the following information must be permanently affixed to the crib:

1. Name and place of the Canadian business for the manufacture or importer;
2. Model name or number;
3. Date of manufacture;
4. Warning statements, in English and French, about following assembly instructions, the size of the mattress and proper use of product.

• The assembly instructions and parts list, in English and French, must be either permanently printed on the product or included in the pouch that is permanently attached to the crib.
• The gap between the slats not be more than 6 cm (2 3/8 in) and the slats not be loose or turn when twisted.
• If a mattress is supplied with the crib, it must be in good condition and no thicker than 15 cm (6 in) and of such a size that, when pushed firmly against the sides of the crib, does not leave a gap of more than 3 cm (1 3/16 in) between the mattress and any part of the crib’s sides.
• The crib should not have corner posts which extend more than 3 mm (1/8 in) above the highest side.

Playpens:

• A label containing the following information must be permanently affixed to the playpen:

1. Name and place of business for the manufacture or importer;
2. Model name or number;
3. Date of manufacture;
4. The following statement: “This product complies with requirements of the Playpens Regulations (Canada)/ Ce produit est conforme aux exigencies de Règlement sur les parcs pour enfants (Canada).”

• Assembly instructions, in English and French, must accompany the product.
• The height of the sides, as measured fro the floor to the top of the rail, must be 48 cm (18.9 in) or more.
• If the playpen has mesh sides, the mush must be small mosquito-type netting to prevent buttons located near the head and neck on children’s clothing from catching and leading to strangulation.

Strollers:

• The following information must be permanently affixed to the product, in English and French:

1. Name and place of business for the manufacture or importer;
2. Model name or number;
3. Date of manufacture;
4. Warning statements, in English and French, about never leaving a child unattended; using the lap belt; and using the parcel bag only as recommended by the manufacturer.

• The stroller must have a braking device in working order.
• The stroller must have a working restraint system attached to the frame or upholstery that consists of a lap belt and another restraint, such as a harness, to prevent the child from sliding down.
• Strollers that fold must lock automatically when opened to prevent the product from folding by itself.
• The stroller must have, in English and French, instructions for assembly, use, maintenance and safety.

 

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