Compliance · Bilingual + ISED + CCPSA
Canada
Bilingual labelling, ISED certification for radio, Health Canada cosmetics notification and GST/HST registration.
Key facts
| Currency | CAD |
|---|---|
| Labelling | Bilingual English and French for consumer products |
| Radio | ISED certification for radio equipment |
| Cosmetics | Health Canada notification before sale |
| Consumer safety | Canada Consumer Product Safety Act |
| Tax | GST/HST registration; duty and tax at the border |
| Last verified | 2026-10-17 |
Bilingual labelling is a product requirement
Consumer product labels in Canada must be in English and French, and the label normally identifies the Canadian importer. This is not a translation preference: a unilingual label can make an otherwise compliant product non-compliant, and marketplaces and retailers check it.
The importer name and address carry responsibility. A foreign seller shipping directly can use a fulfilment or importer arrangement, but the label still has to name a party that can be reached in Canada.
Radio, cosmetics and toys have their own gates
Radio equipment needs ISED certification, which is product-specific and usually handled by a test lab. Cosmetics need a Health Canada notification before sale. Children's toys fall under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, with mechanical and chemical requirements that are separate from the US CPSIA regime.
A US test report is not automatically accepted in Canada. Standards converge in places, but the certification scheme and the label are Canadian. Budget for a gap assessment rather than assuming the US file transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use English-only packaging if the product is sold online?
The bilingual requirement follows the consumer product, not the sales channel. Online listings and labels should both be reviewed.
Is a US FCC certification valid in Canada?
No. Canada has its own ISED certification. Some test data can be reused, but the certification and the label are separate.
Do I need a Canadian importer?
The label normally names a Canadian importer, and border clearance needs an importer of record. A foreign seller can use a fulfilment or distribution arrangement, but the responsibility has to sit with someone reachable.
Ask a compliance question
Free first answer by email. Tell us the destination, the product and the channel — we will point you to the rule and the official source. No obligation, no sales sequence.