Guides

Labeling/Advertising Requirements

Cosmetics

Cosmetics are defined as "any substance or mixture of substances, manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth and includes deodorants and perfumes." This definition includes soap. Health Canada administers the requirements for the manufacture, labelling, distribution and sale of cosmetics , and evaluates compliance.

Diamonds, Colored Gemstones and Pearls

Canadian Guidelines With Respect to the Sale and Marketing of Diamonds, Colored Gemstones and Pearls

Down and Feather Products

Down and feather products are subject to the textile labelling guidelines. However, additional labeling requirements for down and feather products  include specifications such as:

• when a bird of origin's feathers are stated as the ones used in the product, at least 90% of the feathers must come from that specific bird.
• Articles in which the body fill is down but other sections such as sleeves, hood, collar, or pocket are filled with another material that could be mistaken for down, should not be represented as "down-filled".

Note that upholstered or stuffed articles (furniture, pillows, outerwear etc.) destined for sale in Manitoba (as well as Ontario and Quebec) fall under provincial legislation which regulates fillings and requires special labelling. For more information on the Bedding, Upholstered and Stuffed Articles (BUSA) Regulation, contact the Manitoba Consumer's Bureau .

Environmental Claims

Specific guidelines for environmental claims have been established within the following categories:

• general claims (i.e. "green", "earth friendly")
• removal of harmful substances
• life cycle analysis
• source reduction of materials
• reuseable containers
• recyclable materials
• recycled content in materials
• degradable materials
• compostable materials

Follow this link for more information from the Canadian Standards Association  on what constitutes false or misleading statements when making environmental claims.

Food

Labeling requirements include:

• common name of the product (i.e. canned tomatoes)
• net quantity (i.e. bananas by the kilogram)
• list of ingredients
• name and address of the responsible party
• storage instructions
• the "best before" date
• bilingual labels are required, however, there are certain circumstances where the label can be in one language only. Examples include items that fall within the guidelines for a "specialty food" or those that meet the criteria of a test market product.

Follow this link for details on food labeling and advertising guidelines .

"Made in Canada"

Guide to "Made in Canada" Claims

Non-food Items

Non-food products are those which are neither textiles, precious metals, nor food. For example, a packaged screwdriver is considered a non-food product.

Labeling requirements under this category include:

• country of origin (Made in ...)
• what the product is (if it is not apparent using the common name)
• name and address of the importing distributor or "responsible party"

Nutrition

New Regulations published on January 1, 2003, make nutrition labelling  mandatory on most food labels; update requirements for nutrient content claims; and permit, for the first time in Canada, diet-related health claims for foods.

Pet Food

The Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods  is restricted to the labelling and advertising of prepackaged pet food for dogs and cats, and does not apply to pet treats or to food for other pets. Products that are considered to be "drugs" as defined by the Food and Drugs Act are also not covered by this guide.

Precious Metals

Goods within this category include:

• items containing gold, silver and like metals which are not plated
• gold plated articles
• silver plated articles
• plated watch cases
• spectacle frames
• plated flatware
• plated hollow ware

Labeling requirements for this class of goods include:

• statement of quality (i.e. 14kt gold)
• trademark identification of the party responsible for the product. This determines liability for the product.

Follow this link to get details on the regulations pertaining to precious metals marking.

Textiles

Labeling requirements include:

• country of origin
• fibre content (man made or natural)
• dealer identification (who made, packaged and exported the product). This includes a tag attached to the material. A CA number  may be used in place of the dealer identification and eliminates the need for a specific address as the registrant is issued a five digit code. Follow this link to get detailed information on textile labeling requirements .

Upholstered Furniture

• Federal Labelling Requirements for Upholstered Furniture
• Manitoba Consumer's Bureau