Table of Contents
Labelling laws that the Competition Bureau enforces
In addition to the Competition Act, we enforce the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (except as it relates to food), the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.
Under these laws, consumers must be given certain information so that they can make informed buying decisions.
Under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act:
- the packaging, labelling, sale, importation and advertising of prepackaged non-food consumer products must meet specific requirements
- products must have three mandatory statements on the label:
- product identity
- product net quantity
- dealer’s name and principal place of business
- all information on a package and in advertising should not be false or misleading to the consumer
- the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations specify how and where the mandatory statements have to appear
Under the Textile Labelling Act:
- the labelling, sale, importation and advertising of consumer textile articles must meet specific requirements of the Act and the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations
- textile labels must include the the generic fibre name, content and the dealer’s full name and postal address, or for a dealer in Canada, a CA identification number
- textile labels and advertising can’t make any false or misleading representations relating to textile fibre products
Under the Precious Metals Marking Act:
- articles containing precious metals, meaning gold, silver, platinum or palladium, on their own or combined with other metal, must be marked as designated in the Precious Metals Marking Regulations
- articles made with precious metals must use uniform description and quality markings
- it is not mandatory to mark or advertise a precious metal article for quality (e.g., sterling silver), however any mark or advertisement which refers to the quality of a precious metal article must be factual and meet specific requirements in the law and regulations
Our website on labelling laws gives you more information on how to comply with these rules. You can also see our compliance bootcamp series on labelling laws.
How to contact us
For general inquiries: contact the Bureau
DISCLAIMER: Because every situation presents unique facts, the information set out herein is provided for general information only. This content is not a substitute for legal advice, nor is it a binding statement of the Commissioner of Competition’s position on the requirements or efficacy of any particular compliance program. Indeed, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to achieving credible and effective compliance.
The Competition Bureau launched a Compliance Portal to help you and your business stay on the right side of competition and labelling laws. It replaces the Corporate Compliance Programs Bulletin. We’re currently reviewing the feedback we received during the recent consultation on the form and substance of this portal. An update will follow later this year.