Health Canada says buyers of second-hand items should check for recalls. Alexey Stiop/Dreamstime.com

By Eli J. Ridder, Jesse Gill

WHAT TO KNOW

Here’s what to know about buying and selling second-hand products in Canada

Oct 8, 2024 | 3:22 PM

Health Canada is giving advice on what Canadians should know about buying and selling second-hand products.

Pierre Denault, a consumer product safety officer with Health Canada, was in Medicine Hat to share some important tips on the used market.

“We do encourage the sale of second-hand items,” Denaut told CHAT News.

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“The only criteria are that they are in good condition and that they meet the current regulatory requirements. So that can be difficult for a consumer to determine.”

Here’s what to know:

Know the source

Buyers should know who a purchase is coming from.

“You’re kind of relying on the person who’s selling it to you,” Denault said.

“They’re the ones who know the history of the product.”

Check recalls

Buyers should beware buying items that are under recall.

“We do want to check to make sure, number one, that they haven’t been recalled. That would be, of course, a big red flag for those products,” Denault said.

To find out if something is under recall, Denault said to visit Health Canada’s recalls and safety alerts page and search for the item.

“You just follow the directions on the recall notice on what needs to be done to fix it, either a kit or a placement part. Other things just can’t be sold, they can’t be fixed.”

‘Do not use it’

What if you end up with a banned or recalled item?

“If they have bought it, if they found it for sale and have purchased it, that should be reported to Health Canada,” Denault said.

“Our program will follow up with sellers who are selling recalled products or banned products,” he added.

“But the number one thing is: do not use it.”