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Second-Hand Products & Garage Sales
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Garage sales, flea markets, consignment stores, pawn shops, online stores and websites all offer easy ways to buy, sell and give away second-hand products. They let sellers recycle unwanted items and buyers save money.
But some second-hand items, like many children's products, carry risks and legal penalties that both buyers and sellers must be aware of.
- Selling or Giving Away Second-hand Products
- Buying or Borrowing Second-hand Products
- For More Information
Selling or Giving Away Second-hand Products
Selling second-hand products is a convenient way to make a little money from things you no longer need or use. But did you know that you are legally responsible for making sure the products you sell, both new and used, are safe and meet current safety standards? Even if you give away your items for free or lend them to friends and family, you must make sure they are safe. Store owners selling second-hand products have the same responsibility.
By law, you cannot import, sell, distribute, or even lend or give away products that do not meet the requirements of the Hazardous Products Act, which is administered by Health Canada. If you sell, lend or give away an item that is hazardous, you could be liable in a civil court of law.
Think safety!
- Check for recalls on products before you sell, lend or give them away.
- Only sell, lend or give away items that are in good condition.
- Throw away damaged or banned items.
Learn more about which products are banned and which have special safety requirements:
- Facts for Garage Sale Vendors
Provides a list of products that must meet safety requirements before they can be sold or given away. - Selling Second-hand Products (It's Your Health)
Learn how to minimize your legal risk when selling or giving away second-hand products. - Information to Dealers of Second-hand Products (including children's products)
Find out more about your responsibilities, as a dealer, when selling second-hand products.
Buying or Borrowing Second-hand Products
You should use caution when borrowing second-hand items from family and friends or buying them at garage sales, flea markets, online websites, and second-hand stores. Even though it is the seller's responsibility in Canada to make sure their products are safe, being informed will help you make safer buying decisions.
Put safety ahead of savings!
- Do not buy or borrow items with damaged, cracked, missing or loose parts.
- Read the label and make sure instructions come with the item.
- Ask questions about the product's age and history of use.
- Contact the manufacturer or check our list of consumer product recalls to make sure the product has not been recalled.
Learn more about how to safely buy or borrow second-hand products:
- Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products
Learn more about which second-hand products present the greatest risk. - Bringing Consumer Products Into Canada
Find out which products (new or used) you cannot bring into Canada, and which ones must first meet Canadian safety requirements.
For More Information
More about second-hand products:
- Health Canada Reminds Canadians to Use Caution at Garage Sales
An advisory explaining legal rules to sellers and safety precautions to buyers. - Consumer Product Recalls
Search our database for information about products that have been recalled. - Children's car seats and booster cushions: How long are they safe?
Find out how long to safely keep your car seats and boosters.
More about consumer product safety:
- Report an Incident with a Product
Learn how to report an incident with consumer products and cosmetics. - Toy Safety Tips
This pamphlet explains the possible hazards of using certain toys and provides safety tips for minimizing risks. - Is Your Child Safe?
A guide to help parents keep their children safe from common childhood hazards. - For Industry and Professionals
Related guidance and regulations for industry and professional audiences.
You can also contact your Health Canada Regional Product Safety Office toll free at 1-866-662-0666 or by email at cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca (please say which province you are from).
