Health Canada has proposed new Canadian standards for lithium-ion batteries, and devices containing them. See our links below to (a) the notice inviting comments by February 14, 2026, and (b) an overview of the proposals. Health Canada will use these comments to guide their initiative going forward. This may include a cost-benefit analysis.
Why Are They Proposing Lithium-Ion Standards Now?
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have come a long way since they arrived in the early 1990s. Common applications include vaping devices, mobile and wearable devices, toys, tools, appliances, and energy storage systems.
But these batteries have also more recently appeared in electric vehicles, e-bikes and other micromobility devices. As well as medical devices, for example portable ventilators and cochlear implants.
The technology behind lithium-ion batteries is theoretically rock solid, if correctly applied. The proposed Canadian standards for lithium-ion batteries follow a number of incidents, where these batteries failed, harming and even killing people:
- Some of those incidents arose from poor design, and / or substandard manufacturing.
- Others followed mechanical, electrical or thermal stress during recharging or abuse.
Consumer patience is wearing thin, especially as substandard lithium-ion batteries can overheat, emit toxic gases, and explode in seconds. Fire departments report battery fires may follow, that are notoriously difficult to extinguish, and are prone to reigniting.
Overview of Proposed Canadian Standards
Substandard, faulty, or damaged lithium-ion batteries may look perfectly normal to shopkeepers or consumers. Several options on the table include laying down standards for lithium-ion batteries, and devices containing them.
Possible ways to implement this include mandatory third-party certification, or the incorporation of safety standards in regulations. The cost of enforcing these could be high, but that should come out in a cost-benefit analysis.
Please consider commenting directly to Health Canada, if you view these proposed Canadian standards for lithium-ion batteries in a good or bad light. Safety affects us all. We all have a role to play in promoting it.
More Information
Smashing Batteries for Safety Sake
Preview Image: Battery Fire on Aircraft
