Yahoo Finance Black Friday shopping? Check the list of things you can't bring into Canada
As Canadians prepare to shop online, or buy things during visits to the U.S. during Black Friday sales, Canada Border Services is reminding consumers about products that can't be brought into the country.
The list comes from Health Canada which identified banned and regulated products.
Banned
- Baby walkers: These products have been banned after children have been injured. Health Canada says the injuries can come falling down stairs, or a child being able to get closer to hot surfaces, hot liquids and electrical cords.
- Balloon blowing kits: Health Canada says some kits contain dangerous toxins that can be inhaled.
- Infant self-feeding devices: These devices are considered a risk by Health Canada for infants who might choke from food getting into the lungs if they are left unattended.
- Jequirity beans: These orange or red beans with a black dot at the end are found in tropical countries and used for musical instruments and jewellery. But they are also poisonous and can be fatal if swallowed.
- Lawn darts with elongated tips: The darts can cause serious injuries including skull punctures.
- Relight candles: These are joke candles that start again after being blown out. They are considered a fire risk.
- Yo-yo balls with long cords: Banned in Canada since 2003, these toys have a ball or other shape on a stretchy plastic cord and may have a finger loop on one end. Health Canada says if they are longer than 500 mm (20 inches) they can be a strangulation hazard for children.
Regulated
Canada also maintains a list of products, most of which relate to children, that have to meet Canadian regulations. It is illegal to import into the country (or sell or advertise the products in Canada) if they don't meet all specified requirements. Items that don't measure up can be held at the border.
Some of the requirements may involve labelling, specific model information or certain equipment requirements. For comple details you can check this section of the Health Canada web site or phone 1-866-662-0666 or 613-952-1014 or e-mail CPS-SPC@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Partial list of regulated consumer products
- Baby gates.
- Car seats.
- Cribs, cradles and bassinets.
- Hockey helmets and face protectors.
- Lighters.
- Playpens.
- Strollers.
