Health Canada’s Approach to General Prohibitions under the CCPSA

Health Canada’s approach to General Prohibitions under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) involves identifying hazards, assessing risks to human health or safety, and enforcing compliance.

Responsibilities of Regulated Parties:

• Ensuring that products are safe and compliant with regulations.
• Regularly assessing products and reviewing performance criteria.
• Mitigating potential dangers and reporting health or safety incidents.
• Providing Health Canada with relevant information when required.

3-Step Process for Determining Danger:

Health Canada employs a 3-step process to determine if a class of consumer products poses a danger to human health or safety:

1. Identification (Hazards of Concern):
   • Identifying potential hazards associated with a product class.
2. Comment Period (Danger to Human Health or Safety Assessments):
   • Allowing stakeholders to comment on the identified hazards.
3. Determination (Notice of Danger to Human Health or Safety):
   • Making a final determination on whether the product class poses a danger.

Role of Tables 1, 2, and 3:

• These tables play a significant role in the process, likely detailing specific criteria or categories used during the assessment and determination phases.

Compliance and Enforcement Actions:

Health Canada can take immediate compliance and enforcement actions if a product is found to be non-compliant, including:

• Seizure of the product.
• Issuing orders to take specific measures.
• Issuing orders to recall products.
• Prosecution for non-compliance.

Emphasis on Transparency and Communication:

The document highlights the importance of transparency, openness, and communication in achieving the objectives of the CCPSA. Clear communication of information is key to ensuring compliance and protecting public health and safety.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/legislation-guidelines/guidelines-policies/information-regulated-parties-enforcement-approach-general-prohibitions.html

Region: Canada