Health Canada has initiated a public consultation on proposed mandatory safety requirements for lithium-ion batteries and consumer products containing lithium-ion batteries under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).
The proposal aims to address growing safety concerns—such as overheating, fires, and explosions—by introducing enforceable, pre-market safety and compliance measures for products placed on the Canadian market.
Consultation Period: 2 December 2025 – 14 February 2026
Background
Lithium-ion batteries are an essential component of modern consumer products, including mobile phones, laptops, power tools, toys, wearables, and portable electronics. Despite their performance advantages, safety incidents linked to design flaws, manufacturing defects, improper charging, or misuse have increased in recent years.
Canada has recorded a rising number of battery-related injuries, fires, and product recalls, highlighting gaps in the current regulatory framework.
At present, the CCPSA does not impose specific mandatory technical safety requirements for lithium-ion batteries. Instead, Health Canada primarily relies on voluntary standards and post-market enforcement actions. Considering increasing incident data and evolving international regulatory practices, Health Canada is now considering pre-market safety controls to strengthen consumer protection.
Elements of the Proposal
Health Canada is seeking stakeholder feedback on potential requirements that may include:
- Mandatory compliance with recognized lithium-ion battery safety standards
- Performance and design criteria to reduce fire, overheating, and explosion risks
- Third-party testing and certification to demonstrate regulatory compliance
- Defined obligations for manufacturers, importers, and sellers to ensure only compliant products enter the Canadian market
The proposed approach focuses on risk prevention and safety assurance, without restricting innovation or banning lithium-ion battery technologies.
Scope and Exclusions
The proposed requirements would generally apply to consumer products powered by lithium-ion batteries, but would exclude:
- Products regulated under the Canadian Electrical Code
- Products listed in Schedule 1 of the CCPSA, including:
- Medical devices
- Motor vehicles and vehicle components (including e-bikes and e-scooters)
- Certain pest control products
Who is impacted?
The consultation is particularly relevant for:
- Lithium-ion battery manufacturers
- Consumer product manufacturers using embedded batteries
- Importers and distributors supplying the Canadian market
- Retailers and private-label brand owners
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Standards development organizations
Stakeholder Input
Health Canada is inviting comments on:
- The appropriateness and scope of the proposed safety requirements
- Alignment with international lithium-ion battery safety standards
- Implementation challenges, including technical feasibility and cost
- Potential impacts on supply chains, innovation, and market access
Stakeholder feedback will play a critical role in shaping any future regulatory proposal.
Next Steps
A. Public Consultation (Ongoing)
Stakeholders may submit written feedback to Health Canada until 14 February 2026.
B. Review and Impact Assessment
Health Canada will evaluate consultation feedback, incident data, technical feasibility, and economic impacts.
C. Regulatory Development (If Proceeding)
A draft regulation may be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, followed by an additional public comment period.
D. Implementation and Enforcement
Final requirements would include defined compliance timelines, certification obligations, and enforcement mechanisms under the CCPSA.
Source: consultation-proposed-new-requirements-containing-lithium-ion-batteries
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