Labelling Fact Sheet

Summary

With a few exceptions, all packaged products sold to the public are required to carry the following information on the label:

• basic information under The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act:
  • common or generic name of product in English and French;
  • net contents by weight, volume, count or measure in metric units. Type size of declaration in direct relation to size of package; and
  • name and address of a responsible party - manufacturer, packager or retailer.

In addition:

• Agricultural products under The Agricultural Products Standard Act and various Provincial Acts must state:
  • the established grade designation as applicable. (i.e., eggs - CANADA A LARGE, etc.; Potatoes - CANADA NO. 1, CANADA NO. 2; Frozen French Fries - CANADA FANCY; canned peaches - CANADA FANCY; etc.)
• Foods with more than one ingredient under The Food and Drugs Act must declare:
  • a list of ingredients in descending order or by percentage in English and French;
  • a "Best Before Date" on products with a shelf life of ninety (90) days or less, except meats packaged at retail level which must show the packaged date.
• Household chemicals under The Hazardous Products Act:
  • specified household chemicals must carry a warning in print and by symbols showing the nature and degree of hazard;
  • poisonous household chemicals must also specify the poisonous substance by name and first-aid treatment;
  • warning must be in English and French.
• *Textile articles under The Textile Labelling Act require a declaration of:
  • fibre content by generic name and percentage in descending order of predominance;
  • either the name and address of a responsible party or a CA number registered with Industry Canada (1-800-348-5358).
• Obliteration of the required labelling information with price stickers or by any other means is contrary to the legislation and hides information of value to the consumer.
• Institutional pack:
  • products packaged for sale to institutions or industry (including restaurants) are exempt from many of these labelling requirements;
  • the required markings may appear on the packing cases but not on the individual package. When these packages are offered for sale to the general public, they are in violation of the Acts mentioned previously;
  • some examples of such packs are:
    • disposable foam cups and paper plates;
    • frozen fruits and vegetables (French fries);
    • frozen fruit pies, etc;
    • industrial solvents and cleaners.

*Note: CARE LABELLING AND CANADA STANDARD SIZING are not mandatory; however, if they are used, they must comply with the standard requirements.

Products in violation are subject to seizure. Repeated violations could result in prosecution.

These are the primary labelling requirements of the Acts mentioned. For more detailed information on these Regulations and the exceptions, contact Industry Canada, Competition Bureau toll-free at 1-800-348-5358 or visit the Web site.

Labels are the most cost effective way to apply the Universal Product Code (UPC) because of the production time saved.

For products sold only in Canada contact:	For products to be sold internationally contact:
GS1 Canada Room 301 885 Don Mills Road Toronto, Ontario  M3C 1V9 Tel.: 416-510-8039 Toll-free: 1-800-567-7084	GS1 US Suite 300 7887 Washington Village Drive Dayton, Ohio US  45459 Tel.: 937-435-3870 Fax: 937-435-7317 E-mail: info@uc-council.org
For any hazardous materials that will be shipped under regulation contact: International Compliance Center Unit 7 205 Matheson Boulevard East Mississauga, Ontario  L4Z 1X8 Tel.: 905-890-7227 Toll-free: 1-888-977-4834 Fax: 905-890-7070

Prepared by: Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development