Who is responsible for Canadian compliance?

In Canada, consumer and electronic product compliance is primarily managed by federal authorities, specifically Health Canada and ISED, while individual businesses (manufacturers and importers) hold the ultimate legal responsibility for ensuring their products meet all safety and technical requirements before bringing them to the market.

Federal Regulatory Authorities

• Health Canada: Administers the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). They are responsible for preventing health or safety risks and overseeing market compliance for general everyday consumer products.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED): Governs radio, wireless, and telecommunications equipment. Products under their jurisdiction must comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency standards before being sold.
• Standards Council of Canada (SCC): Oversees the national safety certification system. All electrical and electronic products must be certified by an SCC-accredited body (such as CSA, UL, or Intertek) to prove conformity with the Canadian Electrical Code before they can be sold.

Business and Industry Responsibilities

Under Canadian law, the liability for compliance falls squarely on the commercial entities supplying the goods:

• Manufacturers and Importers: Must ensure their products meet all technical, safety, and labelling standards. If you import a product, you act as the responsible party and are liable for its compliance.
• Reporting Obligations: Companies are legally mandated to report any health or safety incidents, product defects, or recalls to Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Program.
• Enforcement & Inspections: Health Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regularly audit supply lines, conduct compliance verifications, and can order the removal or recall of dangerous items.