Backgrounders
	Garage Sale Vendors Bulletin

Advisory

2003-20
April 11, 2003
For immediate release

Health Canada reminds Canadians about the safety of items sold at garage sales

OTTAWA - Health Canada is reminding Canadians about the potential hazards of items sold at garage sales, flea markets and second-hand stores.

Did you know that the sale of some items can be illegal under the Hazardous Products Act? This applies even to second-hand products.

Did you know that by selling an item that poses a hazard, you could be liable in a civil court of law or subject to criminal prosecution?

To help vendors and buyers know what to look for and to ensure that products are safe and used safely, Health Canada is re-issuing its annual bulletin on the safety of items sold at garage sales.

The bulletin covers common garage sale products and provides useful information to vendors and potential buyers. Products outlined in the bulletin include children's sleepwear, car seats, baby gates, playpens, strollers and sports equipment.

Some highlights of the bulletin:

• Selling cribs made before 1986 is prohibited under the law because they don't meet current safety standards.
• Selling lawn darts with elongated tips is also prohibited under the law.
• Baby walkers should not be sold because they pose a serious risk of injury to the baby.
• Damaged bicycle and rollerblading helmets must not be sold because they are designed to protect the head against a single impact.

For more information on the safety of second-hand consumer products, please visit our Web site at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca or contact the nearest Health Canada Product Safety Regional Office listed below:

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Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991