Canada: Packaging and standards

In this page: Packaging and labelling regulation in Canada | Commercial and industrial norms in Canada

Packaging and labelling regulation in Canada

Packaging: The Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act applies to any person who is a retailer, manufacturer, processor or producer of a product, or a person who is engaged in the business of importing, packing or selling any product.
For consumer products, see the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Regulations.Visit also the Competition Bureau website.
Languages Permitted on Packaging and Labeling: The identity of the product must be shown in both official languages (English and French). The name and address of the supplier may be in either official language.
Unit of Measurement: Metric system
Mark of Origin "Made In": The Canada Customs Act specifies the requirements as regards designating the country of origin of goods (68 categories of articles) when they are imported into Canada.
Tariff classification, Country of origin, Marking of goods, NAFTA countries, consult the Guide to Importing Commercial Goods.
Labeling Requirements: The following information must appear on the package/label of consumer goods sold in Canada: the product identity declaration, the net quantity declaration, the dealer's name and principal place of business.

In the case of foodstuffs, labeling must show the weight, the nutrition facts, the ingredients and the origin. For all other finished products, where they were made or where they come from must be written on the label. Clothes or finished textile products must have a label saying "made with new materials" and CA must be put on it. For further information, consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
See the Guide to Fair Labeling Practices.
Specific Regulations: The Canadian government has issued a set of guiding principles governing the use of environmental labeling and advertising, which may be obtained by contacting Industry Canada. For food products, consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Guide to Food Labeling and Advertising.

The Competition Bureau is responsible for administering and applying the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act (non-food), the Textile Labeling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Canadian legislation is quite complex; consult these websites for further information.

Commercial and industrial norms in Canada

National Standards Organisations: The Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
Canadian Standards Association
Bureau de Normalisation du Québec (BNQ)
Integration in the International Standards Network: Member of ISO, 381 sectors, products.
Member of IEC.
Member of the International Communication Union
Obligation to Use Standards: Some standards are mandatory such as those for fertilizers, others are voluntary and depend on the manufacturers' desire to commit themselves to observing them, as is the case, for example, for vehicles.
Classification of Standards: CSA marking
UL marking
Assessment of the System of Standardization: Canadians are more and more aware of standards, especially standards which concern their safety and their food. Most consumers are well informed and ensure that the products they buy or consume meet Canadian standards.
Online Consultation of Standards: Standards Store of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
CSA bookstore
ISO Catalog
Certification Organisations: Canadian General Standards Board
Canadian Standards Association

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