Packaging Regulations in Canada
Canada's packaging regulations are called the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Regulations. The regulations follow the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act. The Competition Bureau, Industry Canada, is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the act and regulations as they relate to non-food consumer products. Food products are the responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The regulations also set out label requirements for any prepackaged product sold in Canada.
Other People Are Reading
-
Prepackaged Products
-
A prepackaged product is any product that is packaged in a form sold to or used or purchased by a consumer without re-packaging. Section 4 of the Act states that in order to sell, import in Canada, or advertise any prepackaged product, the product must have a label on it that shows its net quantity. This could include a numerical figure or a unit of measurement.
Labeling
-
The government of Canada defines a label as any mark, sign, device, imprint, stamp, brand, ticket or tag. All information on a package, irrespective of its contents, must not be false or misleading, according to Section 7 of the Act. For example, if your product is labeled as containing four plates, but has a picture that shows six, it will be in violation of the Act.
-
Bilingual Requirements
-
Canada has two official languages--English and French. The Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act requires that a prepackaged product must have a label in both official languages. The one exemption from this rule is with respect to the identity and principal place of business of the manufacturer, processor, producer or packager of the product for resale, which may be shown in either one of the official languages.
Product Descriptions
-
The government requires that products contain clear descriptions related to type, quality, performance, function, origin, or method of manufacture. For example, a refurbished telephone should not be represented as new. If a product is handmade, it should clearly state so. You are advised to ensure that environmental claims such as biodegradable or recyclable are visible. And your product claims, like the freezing point of windshield washer antifreeze, should be correct.
Exemptions
-
The regulations allow for five exemptions from adhering to the act. These include prepackaged products that are produced or manufactured for commercial, industrial companies and institutions for their own use that are not for sale to other consumers; or prepackaged products that are produced or manufactured only for export or for sale at duty-free stores across the country.
-
References
- Photo Credit packages image by Sorbotrol from Fotolia.com
