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ARTICLE · 11 AUGUST 2008

Ottawa Sends Importers A Clear Message: Know Your Products

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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The federal government recently introduced new legislation that, when passed, will dramatically increase the obligations of Canadian companies and impose particularly onerous requirements on companies that import consumer products from foreign suppliers.

CanadaInternational Law
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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Copyright 2008, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Originally published in Blakes Bulletin on International Trade, August 2008

The federal government recently introduced new legislation that, when passed, will dramatically increase the obligations of Canadian companies and impose particularly onerous requirements on companies that import consumer products from foreign suppliers. This legislation, referred to as the Consumer Products Safety Act, follows several recent high-profile recalls affecting toys, food, and pharmaceuticals.

Recalls Will No Longer Be Voluntary

When approved, Bill C-52 will provide the Minister of Health with extensive powers to deal with products that pose health or safety risks to consumers, including the ability to issue mandatory recalls. This new power represents a significant change from the current system whereby product recalls are entirely voluntary. The

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