What must an importer report to Health Canada if a charger is linked to a fire or injury?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Under section 14 of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, an importer must report an incident to Health Canada and to the person who supplied the product. A preliminary report is due within 2 days after you become aware of the incident, and a written report within 10 days. If in doubt, report. Do not wait for a full investigation.

What counts as an incident

Health Canada’s guide explains that an incident includes an occurrence involving a death or serious adverse health effect, or something that could reasonably be expected to cause one. It also includes a defect or characteristic that may reasonably be expected to cause death or serious adverse effects, incorrect or insufficient label or instruction information that could do the same and certain recalls or other measures. A fire from a charger could meet this definition even if no one was hurt, because the potential for serious harm counts.

Who must report

Anyone who manufactures, imports or sells consumer products in Canada for commercial purposes. Importers report to Health Canada and to the person who supplied the product.

The two reports

• Section 14(2): preliminary report. Due within 2 days after the day you become aware of the incident, from manufacturers, importers and sellers. It gives early information, such as the product, what happened and where it is sold.
• Section 14(3): written report. Due within 10 days after the day you become aware, from manufacturers and importers. It gives more detail, including numbers distributed, standards, test reports, root-cause information and measures you propose.

Do not wait

The guide says you should use the best information available at the time and not wait for a complete investigation or certainty. If you cannot meet the 10-day deadline, request an extension from Health Canada as early as possible.

What to prepare

1. A way to log complaints and decide quickly whether an event is an incident.
2. A contact person who knows the process.
3. Product details: model, serial, batch and distribution.
4. Certification and test records.
5. Photos and the returned product, where possible.

Not reporting is an offence

The guide states that failing to report is an offence under the Act, so set up your process in advance.

Quick summary

Report fast, within 2 and 10 days, use the best available information, and ask for advice from Health Canada or a Canadian adviser.

Sources checked on 24 Oct 2026: Health Canada: Industry guide on mandatory reporting under the CCPSA, section 14; Justice Laws: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.