is it legal to sell used car seats in canada

[AmaraAnn]

Yes, it is generally legal to sell used car seats in Canada. However, doing so is heavily discouraged by Transport Canada, safety advocates, and most medical professionals due to significant risks. The legality comes with a major caveat: you are breaking the law if you sell a car seat that is expired, has been in a moderate or severe crash, is missing parts, or has an unknown history. The seller is legally responsible for the product's safety.

The primary concern is the car seat's history. You can never be 100% certain about its past. It may have been involved in a crash that compromised its structural integrity in ways that aren't visible. Furthermore, all car seats have an expiration date (typically 6 to 10 years from manufacture), which is stamped on the shell. The plastics and materials degrade over time due to temperature changes and sunlight exposure, making them less effective in an impact.

Selling a used car seat also means it may not have the current safety features or meet the latest Transport Canada safety standards (CMVSS 213). There's also the risk of missing instruction manuals or crucial components.

If you must sell or buy a used seat, follow these strict guidelines:

• Check the expiration date. Never use or sell an expired seat.
• Get a full history. Only accept a seat from someone you trust implicitly, who can guarantee it has never been in a crash.
• Inspect thoroughly. Look for cracks in the plastic, frayed harness straps, and ensure all parts are present.
• Have the manual. Proper installation is critical for safety.

While not illegal in a blanket sense, the potential liability and safety risks make selling a used car seat a practice best avoided.

Province/Territory	Key Regulation / Standard	Enforcement Focus
All of Canada	Must comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS 213)	Illegal to sell non-compliant or expired seats
Ontario	Consumer Protection Act holds sellers liable for product safety	Focus on misrepresentation or sale of dangerous goods
British Columbia	Follows federal CMVSS; retailers prohibited from selling non-compliant seats	Emphasis on retail sales compliance
Quebec	Civil Code implies warranty of quality, making seller liable for hidden defects	Stronger consumer protection for buyers
Alberta	Sale of Goods Act applies, requiring goods to be "merchantable" and fit for purpose	Case-by-case basis if a safety issue leads to harm

[LaSavannah]

As a parent, I wouldn't do it, and I'd be wary of anyone who does. It's not so much about the law for me; it's about the risk. You have no idea if that seat was in a fender bender that weakened it. The plastic gets brittle after years in a hot car. Selling a used seat feels like passing on a huge unknown to another family. I'd only ever give one away to a close friend or family member, with a full history and the manual.

[SanRachel]

From a legal standpoint, the sale itself isn't prohibited. The violation occurs if the product is unsafe. Selling a car seat that is past its expiration date, has been recalled, or was in a collision is illegal under consumer protection laws. The burden is on the seller to know the product's history. If you cannot verify its history with absolute certainty, you are assuming significant liability. The safest legal and ethical choice is to not sell it.

[LeGiselle]

My grandson just outgrew his infant seat. We thought about selling it but found out it expired last year! The date was molded right into the plastic on the back. The fire station folks told us to cut the straps and write "EXPIRED" on it with a marker before throwing it out. They said it's just not worth the few dollars you might get. What if something happened? I couldn't live with myself. We recycled it properly instead.

[VanAubree]

Look, it's a gray area. You can list it online, but you'd better be prepared to answer tough questions. Is it expired? Has it ever been in a crash? Is there a recall? If you lie or don't know, you're liable. Most savvy parents won't touch a used seat unless it's from family. The better move is to check if there's a recycling program in your city. Some stores have trade-in events for discounts on new seats. That's a safer, more responsible way to go.