Online shopping safety

Health Canada monitors consumer products sold online but does not review or approve products before they are listed for sale. Learn what to look for when shopping online for second-hand products, clothing and accessories, cosmetics and electrical products, and when shopping online for back-to-school and the holidays.

Keep safety in mind when shopping online

Learn how to be a smart shopper by keeping safety in mind when buying consumer products and cosmetics online.

Online marketplaces, third-party sellers and the safety pledge for consumer products and cosmetics

Learn about online marketplaces, third-party sellers and the safety pledge to protect consumers shopping from online marketplaces.

Buying second-hand products

Safety tips on buying, selling or gifting used products. Learn about banned and recalled items, and seller and buyer duties.

Buyer beware: list of potentially unsafe children's products

Learn what children's products Health Canada has warned against.

Back-to-school online shopping

Safety tips for online back-to-school shopping for school supplies, clothing, toys, electronics and sports equipment.

Holiday decoration, apparel and gift safety

Safety tips for buying and using holiday decorations and apparel and making safe gift selections.

Buying clothing and accessories online

Find tips for shopping online for clothing and accessories, including children's footwear, jewelry, costumes and accessories.

Buying cosmetics online

Find safety tips for buying cosmetics online including tips on children and cosmetics, and buying cosmetics from outside of Canada.

Buying electrical products online

Learn about Canadian certification marks, how to spot counterfeit electrical products and general safety advice.

Bringing consumer products into Canada

Find out about consumer products prohibited and regulated in Canada. Some items purchased abroad may be detained at the border.

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2026-02-02