Packaging and Labeling Tips: Canada

1. What are some of the challenges that companies face when getting their packaging approved in your country or region?

Canada operates with its own set of rules and regulations in regards to labelling.

All food products sold in Canada must comply with both official languages, English and French Canadian. It is important to note French translations must be compliant for the Quebec market, which is different than French for the European market. This is pertinent to both labelling and nutritional information. Type size must be uniform for both languages.

2. What do packaging and labeling regulators look for in the packaging of imported food products?

• Must comply with Canada’s packaging and labelling regulations and be in both official languages in English and French Canadian.
• Nutritional facts information must comply with Canadian standards. U.S. nutritional information is not permitted. Label claims must comply with regulations.
• Must not contain undeclared food allergen i.e. peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean, shellfish, soy, wheat, sulphites, mustard seeds.

3. Are there any upcoming changes that companies should be aware of?

New front-of-package labelling changes will apply as of January 1, 2026.

A full overview can be found via the Canada Government’s website here:

Summary: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/nutrition-labelling/front-package.html

Detailed: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/legislation-guidelines/guidance-documents/front-package-nutrition-symbol-labelling-industry.html

To summarize, a new symbol is required on the front of packages for foods that are high in one or more of the following nutrients:

• Sodium
• Sugars
• Saturated Fat

For most prepackaged products, a symbol must appear on the label when the amount of saturated fat, sugars and/or sodium is equal to or greater than 15% of the applicable DV set out in column 2 or column 3 of Part 1 of the Table of Daily Values. A note the quantity of food is either the serving side or the reference amount for the product, whichever quantity is greater. There are some foods which are exempt (think raw, single ingredient meats, poultry, honey, maple syrup, seasoning salt) and the full breakdown can be found in the detailed link referenced above. A sample visual of the graphic is also included below for your reference.

While there is still time before this regulation takes effect, we recommend having conversations with your labelling team and with Food Export in regards to how you can potentially take advantage of the Branded Program to help offset the reprint costs associated with this change.

4. Where can U.S. companies learn about the packaging and labeling requirements of your country/region?

For more information on Canadian labelling requirements, you can visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/requirements-checklist