As part of a national sampling and compliance initiative, Health Canada has issued an official recall for several USB chargers found to pose an unacceptable risk of electric shock and fire. More than 30 different chargers have been recalled, totaling over 1.5 million units. Three of the chargers were obtained on Amazon.

Consumers of the recalled chargers are asked to cease use immediately and either return them to the retailer where they were purchased or dispose of them. In its official recall, Health Canada reminded consumers of the importance of only using certified electrical products; provincial and territorial electrical codes require that all electrical products sold must be certified, indicating that they meet applicable safety standards.

“The certification mark must be on the product itself, not just the packaging,” states Health Canada. “If you are unsure whether a product is certified, ask the retailer to show you the certification mark on the product before you buy it.”

The current list of recalled chargers is here, though Health Canada advises that more items may be added. No ASI-listed companies were named in the recall.

In addition, Health Canada has also recalled 30,500 Nexxtech Power Banks, made in China and distributed in Canada by Barrie, ON-based The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.  The power bank’s battery can overheat, posing a threat of fire and burns.

Nexxtech 6000mAh Power Bank

The affected power banks, which are rectangular in shape and come in black and gray, are the following:

• Nexxtech 6000mAh Power Bank: model #8047795; UPC: #741235975045
• Nexxtech 6000mAh Wireless Power Bank: model #8061303; UPC: #741235993360
• Nexxtech 8000mAh Power Bank: model #8047796; UPC: #741235975069
• Nexxtech 10000mAh Power Bank: model #8047797; UPC #741235975076
• Nexxtech 16000mAh Power Bank: model #8062742; UPC#741235000532

The model number is located on the packaging, in the instruction manual and on the rating label on the back of the product. The UPC number is on the packaging.

As of this writing, The Source has received four reports of overheating, two of which resulted in property damage. No bodily injuries have yet been reported. The power banks were sold in Canada between October 2016 and March 2018 at The Source retail locations and online. No ASI-listed companies were named in the recall.

Consumers are asked to stop using the power banks immediate and return them to the nearest The Source retail location for a refund or exchange. The Source can be contacted at (866) 515-5855.