Product packaging in Canada is different than in other countries, here’s why.
Imagine you have a winning product – one that has garnered significant success in the United States, Europe, or another international market. You decide to expand your horizons and bring this product to Canada. Confident in the universal appeal of your product, you anticipate a warm reception from Canadian consumers. Your social media campaigns and advertising efforts have already proven successful in other markets, contributing to your product’s strong sales both online and in retail stores. Moreover, your consumers love your packaging, which has become a big part of your brand’s identity.
However, before you can sell your product in Canada, you need to be aware of the unique requirements of this market. Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages – English and French. Consequently, your product’s packaging must be compliant with Canadian Regulations, which require packaging to be in both official languages. This means that your English-only packaging, that has successfully sold in other markets, will not meet the Canadian standards.
Many manufacturers think that bilingual packaging is simply a “nice thing” to do for the Canadian consumers, often offering non-bilingual packaged products without realizing the potential risks. However, this approach can lead to significant consequences. Canadian and Quebec government authorities take language compliance very seriously and may take action if your product does not meet bilingual packaging requirements. These actions can range from (1) simple warnings to change your packaging, to (2) requests to remove the product from retail shelves i.e., cease from selling your product, to (3) all the above plus the potential for monetary fines.
We mention Quebec specifically because the Quebec-provincial government works extremely hard to enforce its French language laws to protect the French language.
Canada’s population is approximately 39 million (as of 2022) with 8.7 million of those Canadians residing in the province of Quebec. 22% of Canadians live in Quebec where French alone is the official language. 71% of Quebecers claim French as their first language and 95% of Quebec citizens can speak French. Consequently, not only is bilingual packaging necessary, but it also makes good business sense. It ensures that you are catering to a significant portion of the Canadian population, thereby enhancing your product’s marketability.
So, what constitutes compliant bilingual packaging? The Province of Quebec requires all products sold in Quebec be labelled in French, and that the use of French be given equal prominence with any other languages on the packaging. Satisfy Quebec packaging requirements and you are, in terms of language, good to go in the rest of Canada.
To ensure your success in Canada, Odyssey Partners can function as your guides in navigating the complexities of Canadian-compliant packaging. If you do not speak French (or English, for that matter), we have relationships with trusted translators who can assist you. We can even help you with further compliance items that are required to sell your product in Canada, ensuring that you are fully prepared for this new market.
Packaging is a critical aspect that can often be overlooked or incorrectly assumed to be compliant. At Odyssey Partners, we want to ensure that this does not happen to you as you embark on your journey to selling in Canada. Our goal is to help you achieve successful sales in this new market by making sure that your packaging meets all necessary regulations.
In addition to language compliance, there are other considerations to keep in mind when adapting your product packaging for the Canadian market. For instance, Canada has specific regulations regarding product labeling, including product contents, manufacturer information, customer support, and safety warnings. These regulations are designed to ensure that consumers are well-informed and can make safe, healthy choices. Understanding and complying with these regulations can further enhance your product’s appeal and trustworthiness among Canadian consumers.
Furthermore, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for Canadian consumers. Eco-friendly packaging options, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, can help your product stand out in a market that is growing more conscious of environmental impact. By adopting sustainable packaging practices, you not only comply with regulations but also demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, which can resonate with Canadian consumers and strengthen your brand’s reputation.
Entering the Canadian market presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Understanding and complying with bilingual packaging requirements is a crucial first step, but it is also important to consider other regulatory and consumer preferences. Odyssey Partners is here to help you navigate these complexities, ensuring that your product is not only compliant but also well-received by Canadian consumers.
Contact Odyssey Partners today to discuss how we can assist you in making your product a success in the Canadian market.