Bilingual packaging in Canada: a plain language overview
Selling a consumer product in Canada usually means some of your packaging has to be in both English and French. Planning for it from the start saves a redesign later.
The short version
Most prepackaged consumer products sold in Canada must show certain information in both official languages, such as the product name and the net quantity. Food, cosmetics, natural health products, cannabis and other regulated categories have their own detailed rules on top. Quebec has additional French language requirements that are stricter than in the rest of Canada.
What to look up for your product
- The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and its regulations for general consumer products.
- Food labelling rules from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for food.
- Health Canada rules for cosmetics, natural health products and cannabis.
- The Charter of the French Language if you sell in Quebec.
Plan the space
French text often runs longer than English. Leave room on the panels that carry required information, and decide early whether you will use one bilingual package or separate English and French versions.
Where we come in
We design dielines with enough space for bilingual text and print exactly the artwork you approve. We are box makers, not lawyers, so have your regulatory advisor confirm the wording for your product.
Ready for a price? Send us your box size and quantity and we will reply with options and a production date.
