Canada is an attractive export market for food, cosmetics, household products and supplements made in South Asia. It also has one simple rule that catches many first-time exporters: most mandatory label information must appear in both English and French. A label designed for the UK or the US rarely has the space, and squeezing in a second language at the last minute usually produces a label that is cramped, hard to read and sometimes non-compliant.
This guide explains which information must be bilingual, how Quebec's language rules add to the federal requirements, how front-of-package nutrition labelling affects food labels and how to design bilingual labels that still look like your brand.
Short answer: most prepackaged consumer products sold in Canada must show mandatory information such as the product's common name, net quantity and, for foods, the ingredient list, allergens and Nutrition Facts table in both English and French. The dealer's name and address can be in either language. Quebec applies additional French language rules, so plan the layout for both languages from the start.
Key takeaways
- Bilingual labelling is a federal requirement for most consumer products, not just a Quebec rule.
- French text typically runs longer than English, so allow extra space in the layout.
- Many foods need a front-of-package nutrition symbol, which became mandatory from 1 January 2026.
- Have translations checked by a native French speaker or your Canadian importer before approval.
What must be bilingual?
Federal rules for consumer products and foods require the core mandatory information in both official languages. For most prepackaged products this includes:
| Label element | Bilingual? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common name of the product | Yes | On the principal display panel |
| Net quantity | Yes | Metric units, with symbols such as g and mL |
| Ingredient list (foods) | Yes | "Ingredients" and "Ingrédients" |
| Allergen and gluten statements | Yes | "Contains" and "Contient" |
| Nutrition Facts table (foods) | Yes | Standard bilingual formats are set by regulation |
| Best before date (foods) | Yes | "Best before" and "meilleur avant" |
| Dealer name and principal place of business | Either language | The Canadian dealer or importer details |
| Cosmetic and supplement information | Generally yes | Specific rules apply, see our guides below |
There are limited exemptions, for example for some test-market products, local foods and shipping containers not sold to consumers. Do not assume an exemption applies without confirming it with your importer.
Quebec's French language rules
Quebec's Charter of the French Language requires product inscriptions to be in French, and other languages may appear alongside French as long as French is not given less prominence. Amendments introduced by Bill 96 tightened these rules, including how trademarks containing non-French words are treated, with key labelling provisions in force from June 2025. If your product will be sold in Quebec, have your importer or a Quebec adviser review the full label, including any slogans and descriptive text on the front.
Front-of-package nutrition labelling for food
Since 1 January 2026, most prepackaged foods that meet or exceed set thresholds for saturated fat, sugars or sodium must display a front-of-package nutrition symbol, a magnifying glass graphic with "High in" statements in both languages. The symbol has defined sizes and placement rules, so reserve space for it in your design rather than adding it at the end. For more on food labels for export, see our food and beverage labels.
Preparing labels for Canada?
Send us your current artwork and target products. We will print crisp bilingual labels with clear small type and finishes that match your brand, with a quote within 24 hours.
Designing bilingual labels that still sell
French text often runs noticeably longer than the English equivalent. A design that starts with both languages in mind looks intentional. A design that adds French later looks crowded.
Four layout approaches
| Layout | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Stacked | English line followed by French line, or English block then French block | Front panels with short names and claims |
| Side by side | Two columns, one per language | Wide back panels and cartons |
| Split panels | English on one side of the pack, French on the other | Bottles and jars with two equal display areas |
| Combined wording | Words that work in both languages, with shared numbers and icons | Small packs where space is limited |
- Design for the longer language: set text boxes for French length, then fit English inside them.
- Use icons where possible: recycling, usage and storage icons reduce text in both languages.
- Keep type legible: do not shrink fonts below a size that prints clearly on your label stock.
- Use accents correctly: check that your fonts include French characters such as é, è, ç and à.
- Consider a larger label: a slightly bigger label is often cheaper than a redesign after rejection.
Our guides to choosing label size and shape and preparing print-ready label artwork help you plan the space.
Product-specific rules
Cosmetics, supplements and household chemicals each have additional requirements. Cosmetics need ingredient lists in INCI format, covered in our guide to cosmetic label compliance for export. Supplements are usually natural health products that need a Natural Product Number, explained in supplement labels for the US and Canada. Household chemicals may need hazard symbols and statements in both languages.
How Sai Impression supports exporters to Canada
Sai Impression has printed labels in Chennai since 2010 for more than 1000 brands and ships to over 25 countries. We print fine, accented type cleanly on paper and film stocks, match colours to Pantone references and add finishes such as foil and embossing. Our export labelling desk helps you plan print runs around your shipping schedule, and standard jobs are dispatched in as little as 5 days after artwork approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do all products sold in Canada need French on the label?
Most prepackaged consumer products and foods must show their mandatory information in both English and French. Limited exemptions exist, so confirm with your Canadian importer before relying on one.
Can the importer's address be in English only?
Yes. The name and principal place of business of the dealer can appear in either English or French under federal rules.
Can I use a bilingual sticker over my existing label?
Over-stickering is used by some importers, but the sticker must be accurate, firmly attached and must not hide other required information. Printing a dedicated Canadian label usually looks better and avoids extra handling.
What is the front-of-package nutrition symbol?
It is a magnifying glass symbol with "High in" statements for saturated fat, sugars or sodium. Most prepackaged foods that meet the thresholds have had to display it since 1 January 2026.
Who should check the French translation?
A professional translator or a native French-speaking member of your importer's team. Machine translation is a useful draft, but regulated terms and product claims must be checked by a person.
Make your Canadian launch label-ready
Share your SKUs, pack sizes and Canadian importer details. We will help you plan bilingual labels that fit, comply and sell.
Sources and further reading: Canadian Food Inspection Agency: food labelling, Competition Bureau: Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act guide, Health Canada: front-of-package labelling. Confirm final label content with your Canadian importer.
