On May 18, 2023, the Governor General of Canada approved the Carriages and Strollers Regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. These regulations introduce new safety standards and requirements for carriages and strollers sold in Canada. Key definitions within the regulations include “carriage,” which refers to a wheeled vehicle designed for transporting a child in a reclined position, and “stroller,” which describes a vehicle for transporting a child in a seated position. The regulations also reference important safety standards such as ASTM F833 and ISO 31110, which focus on child conveyances.

All carriages and strollers must comply with either the ASTM F833 standards or a combination of ASTM and ISO 31110. Manufacturers and importers are granted a compliance period of up to 180 days after a new standard is published, allowing them to continue producing and selling products that meet the previous standards. Additionally, specific toxic substances are prohibited from being present in these products if they could be accessible to children. This includes substances like carbon tetrachloride, methyl alcohol (beyond specified limits), benzene, boric acid, and certain petroleum distillates.

If a stroller contains any toxic substance, it must either be in a form that cannot be ingested or absorbed by a child, or it must exist in quantities below specified limits determined through scientific testing. Furthermore, surface coatings or removable materials on carriages and strollers must not contain harmful levels of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and cadmium, and must be tested in accordance with established good laboratory practices. The regulations also impose restrictions on the use of certain phthalates in the vinyl of carriages and strollers, particularly those parts that could be placed in a child’s mouth.

All required information must be displayed in both English and French, ensuring legibility and clarity. Important warnings must be prominently displayed in uppercase letters to alert users to safety hazards, such as the dangers of leaving children unattended or risks of choking. Carriages and strollers must include permanent labels with essential information, such as manufacturer details, model number, and the year and month of manufacture. They must also provide instructions for safe usage, assembly, and maintenance, often accompanied by illustrations.

To prevent potential injuries, specific warning labels are mandated on strollers, addressing issues related to child restraint systems and the risks associated with removable wheel components. General safety precautions must also be included, such as warnings to keep children away during folding and unfolding to prevent finger entrapment. Moreover, any containers used for selling carriages and strollers must display the same information required on the products themselves, with additional warnings on flexible film bags to mitigate suffocation risks.

By prohibiting harmful substances, ensuring clear labeling, and requiring adherence to safety standards, these regulations aim to improve the protection of consumers and their children.

Canada (SOR/2023-101) June 7, 2023