Is bilingual labeling mandatory in Canada?

Yes, bilingual labeling is mandatory across Canada. Under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, most prepackaged consumer goods must display mandatory information—such as the product’s identity/common name and net quantity—in both English and French.

Specific federal and provincial rules apply depending on the product category:

• Food and Beverages: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency mandates that core information, including ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and allergen statements, be presented in both languages.
• Consumer Goods: The Competition Bureau of Canada requires product identity declarations to be bilingual, while dealer information can be in either English or French.
• Province of Quebec: Quebec’s Charter of the French Language enforces even stricter rules. French must be markedly predominant on labels, packaging, and product documentation, meaning it must be larger and more visible than any other language.

Exemptions are rare, mostly applying to highly specific items like some local specialty foods or shipping containers not intended for direct retail sale.