In June 2022, Quebec passed Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, which amended the Charter of the French Language. These amendments significantly affect labelling and advertising requirements for businesses, including those in the cosmetics industry.
New requirements for labelling, packaging, and advertising
Under the updated rules, French must be at least as prominent as English in all aspects of product presentation, including:
- Size of text
- Font type and style
- Visibility and placement
Scope of the Bill
These requirements apply to products marketed, distributed, or sold within Quebec, including online sales directed at Quebec consumers. Businesses outside Quebec that sell or ship products into the province must also comply.
Special considerations for trademarks
Registered trademarks in a language other than French are generally permitted to appear as-is on packaging and advertising. However, if a French version of the trademark has been registered, it must be used.
Deadline for compliance
Businesses must comply with these requirements by 1 June 2025.
Nevertheless, there is a grace period for labels: products manufactured between 1 June 2025 and 31 December 2025 that do not yet meet the new standards may still be permitted under an extended grace period, but they may also need to align with upcoming federal labelling regulations.
Consequences of non-compliance
If businesses fail to comply, the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) – the government body responsible for enforcing the legislation – can issue demand letters requiring companies to address and correct non-compliant labelling or advertising, and impose fines for violations, with higher penalties for repeated offences.
Need support?
If you have questions about Canadian cosmetics compliance, contact us. Obelis offers services to ensure your labels meet regulatory requirements.
References
Légis Québec. (2022). Charter of the French language. Retrieved on 09/05/2025.
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