Health Canada wishes to inform all parties involved in the import, manufacture, or distribution of consumer products containing button or coin batteries in Canada about its recently reinforced and clarified enforcement approach to mitigate the serious health and safety risks associated with these products, particularly for children. This does not constitute a ban on these products.
Understanding the risk: The hidden danger of button and coin batteries
Button and coin batteries, due to their small size and easy accessibility, pose a significant danger if ingested. When swallowed, these batteries can cause a chemical reaction that leads to severe internal burns, permanent injury, or even death, often within a short period. Children are especially vulnerable, making robust safety measures paramount for all products containing them.
Health Canada’s enhanced enforcement approach
Health Canada’s updated strategy focuses on ensuring that all regulated parties – including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers – take proactive steps to prevent these serious injuries. Products found to pose an undue health or safety risk will be subject to enforcement action.
Key expectations for products containing or sold with button/coin batteries include:
Secure battery compartments:
- Batteries within a product must be enclosed in a compartment that requires a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) or at least two independent and simultaneous movements to open. This prevents easy access by children.
- The compartment must be robust enough to withstand reasonable foreseeable use and abuse.
Child-resistant packaging:
- Products sold with button or coin batteries separate from the product (e.g., a device requiring batteries, or replacement battery packs) must utilize child-resistant packaging.
Prominent warning labels:
- Packaging and/or the product itself must display clear, prominent, and durable warnings about the ingestion hazard.
- These warnings should advise consumers to keep batteries out of reach of children and to seek immediate medical attention if a battery is suspected to have been swallowed.
- The warnings must be easily visible and understandable to the consumer at the point of sale and during product use.
What does this mean for your business
This enhanced enforcement is now actively being applied. Non-compliant products may face significant consequences, including:
- Detention at the Canadian border.
- Product recalls.
- Orders for product seizure or destruction.
- Administrative monetary penalties or even prosecution. These actions can lead to substantial financial losses, supply chain disruptions, and reputational damage.
Our recommendation and how Livingston can help
We strongly urge all clients involved in the supply chain of products containing button or coin batteries to immediately review their product designs, packaging, and labeling. Ensure that your products are fully compliant with Health Canada’s safety requirements and do not pose an undue risk.
Livingston International is committed to helping you navigate these complex regulatory landscapes. Our customs and compliance experts are available to provide guidance and support, helping you ensure your imports meet Canadian safety standards and minimize the risks associated with non-compliance.
If you have any questions, please contact your Livingston account representative.