Shopping outside of Canada?Shopping Image

There are a few things you should know before you go.

When planning a visit to the United States or other international destinations, be aware that there may be restrictions on some consumer products you may bring into Canada.

Canadians heading out of the country for a shopping trip or a vacation are sometimes surprised when they come home. Souvenirs and some those great bargains you find while out of the country may be prohibited in Canada. Be aware that in other countries, their requirements may differ from those in Canada. Products coming into Canada, by land, sea or air, must meet Canadian safety requirements.

Products that are prohibited in Canada include baby walkers, relight candles, balloon blowing kits and jequirity beans – which are poisonous and are sometimes used in jewellery and artwork and are native to the Carribean. Products that are regulated in Canada include baby gates, strollers, and hockey helmets.

Don’t bring home unsafe or illegal products

BrochureWhen shopping abroad, ensure that you are bringing back consumer products that meet Canadian safety requirements. Items not meeting Canadian regulations may be subject to being detained at the border.

Health Canada has issued a booklet called Bringing Consumer Products into Canada. This booklet contains a partial list of consumer products that are prohibited for sale or importation into Canada. To download a copy, click on this link

You can also visit Health Canada website www.healthcanada.gc.ca/travellingcanadians to get more explanations on safety and labelling requirements and more details on prohibited and regulated products.