Product Safety and Recalls in British Columbia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The federal Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) gives Health Canada the power to order mandatory recalls of unsafe consumer products. Manufacturers and importers must report serious incidents — including injuries, deaths, and defects — to Health Canada.
Penalties for breaking the rules are serious: up to $5 million in fines and/or 2 years in prison. Some products are banned outright, including baby walkers.
You can report unsafe products and check the recall database at healthycanadians.gc.ca.
When does it apply?
- Covers all consumer products manufactured, imported, advertised, or sold in Canada.
- Does not cover food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, or vehicles — those fall under separate legislation.
What to Do If a Product Injures You or Is Recalled in Canada
- Check recalls regularly at healthycanadians.gc.ca, especially for children's products.
- Stop using recalled products immediately and follow the recall instructions.
- Report unsafe products to Health Canada if something injures you or seems dangerous.
- Keep your receipts — you may need them to get a refund or replacement.
- Seek medical attention right away if you are injured by a product.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore recall notices — recalled products can cause serious injuries or death.
- Don't keep using a recalled product even if it seems fine. The risk may not be obvious.
- Don't assume the government tests every product before it goes on sale — they don't.
- Don't throw away a defective product before documenting the problem with photos and notes. You may need it as evidence.
How British Columbia differs from federal law
Product safety is primarily regulated at the federal level by Health Canada. However, BC has its own consumer protection agency and additional provincial rules.
- Consumer Protection BC is the province's regulator for consumer issues. It oversees certain product-related matters including gift cards, prepaid purchase cards, and specific regulated industries.
- Under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, suppliers are prohibited from engaging in deceptive or unconscionable acts or practices. This includes misrepresenting the safety, quality, or characteristics of a product.
- BC's Sale of Goods Act (RSBC 1996, c. 410) provides that goods sold must be of merchantable quality — meaning safe, functional, and fit for their intended purpose. If a product is dangerous or defective, the buyer may have remedies under this Act in addition to federal recall protections.
- For motor vehicle safety, the Motor Dealer Act (RSBC 1996, c. 316) requires dealers to disclose material facts including safety recalls and prior damage.
Additional Steps in British Columbia
Check federal product recalls on the Health Canada recalls database (recalls-rappels.canada.ca). For BC-specific consumer complaints, contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 or online at consumerprotectionbc.ca. For vehicle complaints, contact the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority (MVSA) of BC.
Relevant Law: Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, SBC 2004, c. 2; Sale of Goods Act, RSBC 1996, c. 410; Motor Dealer Act, RSBC 1996, c. 316
Common Questions
When does product safety and recalls apply?
Covers all consumer products manufactured, imported, advertised, or sold in Canada.Does not cover food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, or vehicles — those fall under separate legislation.
What should I do if a product I bought in Canada injured me or was recalled?
Check recalls regularly at healthycanadians.gc.ca, especially for children's products.Stop using recalled products immediately and follow the recall instructions.Report unsafe products to Health Canada if something injures you or seems dangerous.Keep your receipts — you may need them to get a refund or replacement.Seek medical attention right away if you are injured by a product.
What mistakes should I avoid with product safety and recalls?
Don't ignore recall notices — recalled products can cause serious injuries or death.Don't keep using a recalled product even if it seems fine. The risk may not be obvious.Don't assume the government tests every product before it goes on sale — they don't.Don't throw away a defective product before documenting the problem with photos and notes. You may need it as evidence.
Product Safety and Recalls in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.