MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - According to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) became effective on June 20, 2011. The purpose of the act is to protect the public by addressing or preventing dangers to human health or safety that are posed by consumer products in Canada.

The act introduces a new regulatory regime and includes some of the following elements:

• Mandatory reporting of an incident

• Record keeping

• Sections relevant to counterfeits

• Confidential business and personal information

• Administrative monetary penalties and recalls

• Implementation, outreach, and engagement

A “consumer product” is defined as a “product, including its components, parts or accessories, that may reasonably be expected to be obtained by an individual to be used for non-commercial purposes, and includes its packaging” and includes electrical and compressed gas products certified by ESA, CSA, and ULC.

In Ontario, manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers must report serious electrical incidents or accidents or defects to the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority as well as to Health Canada. Several stakeholders have lobbied for a harmonized approach to reporting.

For more information, visit www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/legislation/acts-lois/ccpsa-lcspc/index-eng.php.

Publication date: 07/11/2011