Health Canada Updates Free-Standing Clothing Storage Unit Performance Criteria Under CCPSA

SG 058/26

Health Canada updates performance criteria for free-standing clothing storage units (CSUs) in Table 3 of Health Canada’s Approach to the General Prohibitions under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).

On March 31, 2026, Health Canada updated its danger to human health or safety assessment for free‑standing CSUs and revised Table 3 of the Approach to the General Prohibitions under the CCPSA. The updated assessment concludes that CSUs not meeting the applicable criteria in ASTM F2057‑23 are considered likely to pose a danger to human health or safety.

What does this update require?

Regulated parties are prohibited from manufacturing, importing, advertising or selling free‑standing CSUs that do not meet the requirements of ASTM F2057‑23 or an equivalent standard.

Who is impacted?

The changes apply to manufacturers, importers, advertisers and sellers of free‑standing CSUs. Products within scope include:

• Chests, drawer chests, dressers, bureaus, door chests and armoires
• Units that are not built into a wall and are not permanently attached to a structure
• Units that meet the following criteria:
  • 686 mm (27 inches) or greater in height
  • 13.5 kg (30 lbs) or greater in mass
  • Contain 90.6 dm3 (3.2 ft3) or greater of enclosed storage volume

This update does not apply to:

• Non-clothing storage units such as bookcases, shelving units, entertainment furniture, office furniture, display cabinets, jewelry armoires and other accent furniture not intended for bedroom use
• Built-in clothing storage units that are built into a wall or are permanently attached to a structure
• Units that meet the following criteria:
  • Less than 686 mm (27 inches) in height
  • Less than 13.5 kg (30 lbs) in mass
  • Contain less than 90.6 dm3 (3.2 ft3) of enclosed storage volume

When does it apply?

There is no legislated coming‑into‑force or transition period, as the CCPSA general prohibitions in paragraphs 7(a) and 8(a) are already in force. Health Canada may take compliance or enforcement action at any time when it has reason to believe a product poses a danger to human health or safety or is non-compliant with the CCPSA or its regulations, including products newly added to or recently updated in Table 3.

Notice of danger to human health or safety and risk mitigation for free-standing clothing storage units

We support businesses from concept to finished product. Our services include product design analysis, component and product testing, auditing, inspection and retail store checks. With deep industry expertise, we help businesses deliver safe, well-designed, functional, durable and sustainable products while ensuring compliance with relevant standards and/or a manufacturer’s own specifications. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about our furniture services.