A new Health Canada recall is worth a quick look before Canadians pack up a dorm room, refresh a basement movie setup, or buy used electronics during back-to-school season. The affected product is the BenQ GV31 portable projector, a rechargeable, battery-powered unit that Health Canada says may overheat and pose burn and fire hazards. The recall was last updated on July 30, 2026, and it is especially relevant because portable projectors are exactly the kind of gadget shoppers may buy for small apartments, student bedrooms, cottages and family rooms where space is tight and cords are inconvenient. The practical takeaway is simple: if you own this model, stop using it now and follow the return instructions rather than trying to test whether your unit runs hot.
According to the recall notice, the BenQ GV31 is a white circular portable projector with built-in surround-sound speakers, a permanent yellow tag, and a black projector stand. Health Canada describes it as roughly 13.2 centimetres wide, 20.3 centimetres across and 19 centimetres high, weighing about 1.7 kilograms. The words “superior sound by treVolo” appear on the unit in grey text. Those details matter for shoppers because model names can be hard to spot in online listings or storage bins. If you bought a projector between July 2023 and May 2026, or if one is sitting in a closet waiting for a move, compare the physical description with the recall before plugging it in.
Health Canada says the company reported 243 affected units sold in Canada and about 1,250 sold in the United States. As of June 23, 2026, the company had received no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada, and one report of overheating in the United States. That does not mean shoppers should ignore the notice. Recalls are designed to prevent the next incident, not just respond after people are hurt. Lithium-ion battery products can be convenient, but any product flagged for overheating should be treated cautiously: stop charging it, keep it away from bedding, papers and upholstered furniture, and do not leave it running unattended while you sort out the remedy.
The official remedy is to immediately stop using the recalled projector and return it to BenQ for repair or replacement. Health Canada lists BenQ’s toll-free contact number as 1-866-600-2367, available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, Monday to Friday, and the company’s recall support page is also linked from the government notice. For a Canadian household, the best move is to take photos of the unit, model markings and proof of purchase if available, then contact BenQ before shipping or dropping anything off. If the projector was a gift, bought second-hand or purchased during a move, still check with the company; many recall programs are based on the product, not on having a perfect receipt.
This recall also has a resale lesson. Health Canada notes that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada. That matters for marketplace sellers, thrift shoppers and parents clearing out electronics before September. Do not list a recalled GV31 on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, a local buy-nothing group or a campus swap table. If you are shopping used, ask for the exact model and a clear photo of labels before meeting. A bargain projector is not a bargain if it has to be removed from use immediately, and a seller may not know the recall exists.
The BenQ notice is also a reminder to do a broader five-minute home safety sweep when shopping for seasonal projects. Health Canada’s recall database is currently listing several recent consumer alerts, including a July update for Rexall and Pro-Line chemical products that lack required child-resistant packaging. That chemical recall is a different issue from the projector, but the shopper behaviour is similar: check brand, size, UPC or model details; stop using the affected item; follow the official replacement or repair route; and keep products out of reach while you wait. For families stocking a dorm kit, garage shelf or cottage cupboard, recalls should be part of the same routine as checking flyers and comparing prices. Before buying electronics, small appliances, kids’ gear, chemicals or clearance goods, search Canada’s recall site for the brand and model. Before donating or selling, do the same check so you are not passing a problem to another household. For the BenQ GV31 specifically, the safest shopping decision is not to buy, sell, gift or use the affected projector until the repair or replacement path has been completed through BenQ.
Source trail: - Health Canada, “BenQ GV31 Portable Projector recalled due to burn and fire hazard” — https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/benq-gv31-portable-projector-recalled-due-burn-and-fire-hazard - BenQ, “GV31 Recall Notification” — https://www.benq.com/en-us/support/gv31recall.html - Health Canada, “Rexall and Pro-Line chemical products recalled due to lack of child-resistant packaging” — https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/rexall-and-pro-line-chemical-products-recalled-due-lack-child-resistant-packaging - Government of Canada, “Find recalls, advisories and safety alerts” — https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en