Canada
Canada appears lenient until you review the language requirements. Two languages, metric first, and a province that legislates its own rules.
The product identity and the net quantity declaration must appear in both English and French. The dealer's name and principal place of business may appear in either language.
Bilingual does not mean a smaller French line underneath. The two versions carry equal weight, and an inspector reads the French one first if the complaint originated from Quebec.
Net quantity is declared in metric units using the prescribed symbols, with a minimum type height related to the area of the principal display surface. Imperial figures may be added, but the metric declaration is the legal requirement.
The label must identify the dealer — the person who manufactures, processes, produces or packages the product, or for whom it is made — with the principal place of business. An importer may be named as such with its Canadian address.
Our Canadian packages are signed by Goldman Services INC in Richmond Hill, Ontario, so the address printed belongs to a company established in the country.
The Charter of the French Language imposes additional requirements on packaging, inscriptions and, increasingly, on trademarks appearing on the package. Products designed for the rest of Canada often require a Quebec-compliant version, which we produce from the same record.
The net quantity declaration has a minimum type height related to the area of the principal display surface, and the figures must be in bold type. Small packages are not exempt from the declaration, only a smaller prescribed size.
The declaration is typically located in the bottom third of the principal display panel, which may constrain a layout designed for another market.
Where a product is sold by count rather than measure, the count is declared in the same manner and the same bilingual rule applies.
The Charter of the French Language governs inscriptions on products, packaging and accompanying documents, and recent amendments extend to trademarks appearing on the package where a generic term or description is included.
This means a French version of descriptive elements even where the brand itself is protected, and a layout that accommodates this from the outset rather than adding a sticker afterwards.
An imported product must identify either the Canadian dealer or the foreign manufacturer with an indication that the goods were imported. The wording matters, and 'Imported by' followed by a Canadian address is the clearest approach.
| Element | English | French | Either |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product identity | Required | Required | |
| Net quantity | Required | Required | |
| Dealer name and address | Either language | ||
| Instructions and warnings | Required | Required | |
| Marketing copy | Either, subject to Quebec |
The same information, in the order an inspector or reviewer encounters it.
Usually yes, if it is permanent, legible and does not cover other mandatory information.
Product identity and net quantity do. Marketing copy does not, although Quebec has its own view on how much French must appear overall.
Not for labelling, but the dealer identified must have a Canadian place of business, which is why our Canadian entity signs those packages.
Often yes, if it includes the bilingual identity and quantity and the US identity block, but the type sizes differ and must satisfy both.
Yes, for the federal bilingual elements, throughout Canada.
Yes, if permanent, legible and not covering other required information.
Print-ready artwork for the markets you sell in, a permanent code with a public record, and a free reissue whenever your details change. Seven days free, no card required.
EU Label Compliance