On December 6, 2018 the Government of Ontario announced its decision to revoke the Upholstered and Stuffed Articles Regulation (O. Reg. 218/01). As of July 1, 2019, provincial licensing, labeling, processing, cleanliness and sterilization requirements set out in the regulation will no longer apply to manufacturers, importers, distributors, renovators, home / craft operators, retailers and other persons currently subject to the regulation in the Province of Ontario. Upholstered and stuffed articles will no longer be part of TSSA’s (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) mandate.

Articles covered under the regulation include, but are not limited to: Toys, Sporting goods, Pet items, Furniture, Mattresses, Down-filled clothing, Handbags, Luggage and seasonal ornaments.

However, Upholstered and stuffed articles sold in Ontario will continue to be subject to applicable federal legislation including the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and the Textile Labeling Act, as is the case in other provinces. This federal legislation protects consumers against health and safety issues related to all types of consumer products including apparel and children’s toys. In addition, the Toys regulation under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act has additional requirements for stuffing in dolls, plush toys and soft toys (i.e., must be clean, free of vermin, free of hard or sharp foreign matter, non-toxic and non-irritant). Meanwhile, articles covered by the regulation will also continue to be subject to the province’s Consumer Protection Act.

Currently in Canada, the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba have legislations regulating the licensing, registration and labeling requirements for upholstered and stuffed articles, the revocation applies only in Ontario. All manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of upholstered and stuffed articles destined for sale in Quebec or Manitoba will continue to be subject to these requirements.

BACL Service:

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