Packaging and labelling requirements for imports in Canada

Packaging regulations for Canadian imports won’t make the news like tariff announcements, but they’re a mandatory part of meeting compliance requirements as an importer.

Different types of goods will have specific rules that determine the way they must packaged when they arrive at the Canadian border. These labelling requirements ensure that consumers and businesses in Canada are protected against risks such as hazardous materials and dangerous goods while protecting the quality of the products shipped.

What are packaging and labelling requirements for imports in Canada?

One of the fundamental packaging regulations that importers must comply with revolves around packaging made of wood. Pallets and crates fashioned from wood must meet the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No.15 (ISPM 15). In brief, ISPM 15 requires that all solid wood packaging is heat-treated and stamped with an approved marking. This mark shows customs agents that the packaging was treated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases in the wood material.

While not legally binding, importers should know that Canadian regulations also encourage the use of recyclable and eco-friendly packaging materials. This aims to reduce the environmental impact of shipping materials while aligning with sustainability goals outlined by the Canadian government.

Labelling regulations are a bit more complex than packaging rules. Products shipped into Canada must display the following basic details on labels that are clearly affixed on the packaging:

• A detailed, accurate product description in both English and French

• The country of origin for the goods

• The name and address of the Canadian importer or distributor
  

Certain types of goods fall into categories that require additional labelling to comply with regulations, including:

Hazardous materials and dangerous goods

Goods that fall into the category of hazardous and dangerous goods must be labelled with the appropriate safety marks.

Food imports 

Food imports must comply with regulations set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). These regulations include ingredient lists, nutrition information, and allergen information labels on the shipments.

Consumer goods 

The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act states that labels can’t have misleading, deceptive, or otherwise false information. This includes accurate safety information and warnings for consumers.

Electronics

Electronic imports must have labels that show specific safety certifications, bilingual end-user instructions, and adherence to regulatory compliance that governs electronic devices in Canada.

Textiles 

Textile imports into Canada must include care instructions, dealer identification, and fiber content labels on the packaging.

To avoid potential issues with all of these different requirements, the labels on your imports must be permanent, legible, and located in an area that’s easily inspected.

Common labelling and packaging mistakes

Some of the more common errors that shippers and importers make can be easily avoided, especially when you approach these issues proactively.

Untreated wood packaging

The wooden material that pallets and crates are made of may appear to be strong and sturdy, but it won’t comply with regulations unless the packaging specifically meets ISPM 15 certification.

Missing bilingual packaging

Canadian imports must include bilingual packaging for most goods crossing the border. There are a few exemptions, such as specialty food, local food, and test-market food.

Vague or inaccurate product descriptions

Imports into Canada must include detailed product descriptions that reflect the goods contained within the packaging. That description must be externally displayed on the packaging. If the external description is too vague or mismatched with the description provided in the paperwork, delays could ensue.

Shipping marks without regulatory labels

Shipping marks and regulatory labels serve different purposes for imports into Canada. Regulatory labels include required info for customs, while shipping marks are used for carriers and warehouses to properly identify and handle the goods. Without regulatory labels such as bilingual product descriptions, compliance certifications, and country of origin, the imports will be non-compliant.

Missing sector-specific labelling

Some types of imported goods require additional labelling, specific to the industry, that must be included on the shipments. If you’re unsure whether you need additional, sector-specific level, take the time to verify ahead of time to avoid delays.

Best practices for packaging and labelling compliance

Importers who plan ahead and consider compliance as an integral part of the shipping process, including labelling and packaging, greatly reduce the odds of delays at the border. Some best practices that can help you stay on track include the following:

Close collaborate with customs brokers or freight forwarders  

Confirm that packaging and labelling requirements are met before your shipment leaves the supplier. Working with a custom broker or freight forwarder improves communication and collaboration with carriers.

Review regulations for your product category

Agencies like the CBSA, CFIA, and Health Canada provide the specific rules and requirements for labels and packaging, including recent changes to regulations.

Request proof of compliance upfront

There's nothing wrong with asking for confirmation of compliance up front. A request for photos of packaging and labels before goods are shipped can reduce uncertainty and catch errors before they cause delays.

Plan ahead in product design

If your company has control over product design, you can integrate compliance into the design process by incorporating bilingual labelling and other requirements before production. Some types of products can accommodate this approach better than others.

Use clear shipping marks and labels

Carton numbers, gross and net weight, and other details should always be easy to read. If customs clearance agents can't read the labels and marks, your goods could be delayed at the border.

Ensure compliance with an experienced partner

Packaging and labelling regulations may not grab headlines, but they’re importing for importers bringing goods to Canada. From ISPM 15 certification on wooden pallets to bilingual labelling, labelling and packaging requirements intend to protect consumers while keeping shipments moving on time.

By proactively checking regulations for your product category, requesting proof of compliance from suppliers, and working closely with customs brokers or freight forwarders, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your imports meet Canadian standards.

Cole’s cohesive, collaborative logistics team provides advantages that separate, stand-alone companies simply can’t provide, including solutions for shipping and freight forwarding. Connect with Cole today.

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