Missing or incorrect labels can delay clearance or create compliance issues after import.
Product labels are an important part of importing goods into Canada because they can affect whether goods are ready to be cleared, sold, distributed, or used after arrival.
Depending on the product, Canadian requirements may apply to the product name, net quantity, language, country of origin marking, safety warnings, use instructions, claims, or responsible party information.
Some of these requirements apply at the border and are enforced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Others are set by other government departments (OGDs) or agencies that regulate specific goods.
Product labels help communicate what the product is, who is responsible for it, what it contains, how it should be used, and which Canadian requirements apply.
Importing the goods and selling the goods are not always the same. A shipment may have the documents needed for customs clearance, but still needs a compliant label before the goods can be sold, distributed, or used in Canada. For certain regulated products, however, applicable labels or markings must be in place when the goods are imported.
The exact requirements depend on the product, packaging, intended use, claims, and applicable law. This is why product labels should be reviewed against the specific goods being imported rather than copied from a supplier’s standard label or packaging intended for another market.
Before shipping, you should check four main areas:
Confirm whether the label must include the product identity or common name, net quantity, and relevant details such as ingredients, materials, fibre content or composition.
Determine whether the manufacturer, dealer, distributor, importer or another responsible party must be identified, and which contact details must be provided.
Confirm which mandatory information must appear in English and French. Federal bilingual requirements apply to many prepackaged foods, non-food consumer products, and other regulated goods, although the requirements and exemptions vary.
Check for required warnings, hazard pictograms, instructions, storage conditions or other safety information. Any claims about performance, composition, origin, certification, safety or intended use must also be accurate and not misleading.
The label should also match the goods, packaging, and commercial invoice. Inconsistencies can cause problems at or after clearance.
Labelling requirements often depend on the type of goods being imported. Some products require only basic product, quantity, or dealer information. Others are subject to more detailed rules and fall under the jurisdiction of specific government departments or agencies.
Common examples include:
At Cole International, we offer trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian importers understand the requirements that may apply to their goods, documentation, and customs clearance process.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to review your product labels before your goods ship.