The introduction of Bill 96 in Quebec brings new challenges for businesses across Canada. As a result, this legislation emphasizes the importance of the French language and enforces stricter rules for bilingual labelling.
If your products reach the Quebec market, you must understand these regulations to maintain compliance and avoid penalties. Keep reading to learn how Bill 96 affects your business and what steps you can take to stay compliant.
What Is Bill 96?
Bill 96, formally known as “An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec,” strengthens Quebec’s Charter of the French Language. In other words, the law aims to protect and promote French as the predominant language in the province. More specifically, one of its key areas of impact is on bilingual product labelling, which is now subject to stricter enforcement and additional requirements.
Key Changes to Bilingual Labelling
1. Mandatory French Language Dominance
Under Bill 96, French must be the most prominent language on all product labels and packaging. This means that French text must be displayed before any other language, and font size for French text must be equal to or larger than the font size of other languages.
2. Expanded Scope of Products
In addition to retail packaging, the regulation extends to include instruction manuals, warranty cards, and promotional inserts.
3. New Compliance Deadlines
Businesses must ensure all labelling updates are completed by the specified deadlines to avoid non-compliance penalties.
Who Is Affected by Bill 96?
As a consequence of these changes, several groups must adhere to the new rules:
- Businesses operating in Quebec: Companies distributing products in Quebec must adhere to the new rules, regardless of whether they are based inside or outside the province.
- International manufacturers: Similarly, businesses exporting goods to Quebec must comply with these bilingual labelling regulations to sell products in the market.
- Retailers: Any retailer distributing non-compliant products may face fines or be required to pull products off shelves.
What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance?
Failing to comply with Bill 96 can result in serious consequences. For example:
- Fines and penalties: Businesses can face significant financial consequences for violations.
- Product recalls: Non-compliant items may need to be removed from Quebec markets, disrupting supply chains.
- Reputational damage: Failure to adhere to regulations may harm your brand’s credibility in a sensitive consumer market.
How to Ensure Compliance with Bill 96
To stay compliant, consider these proactive steps:
- Audit Your Labels: Review all product packaging to ensure French text is prominently displayed and meets font size requirements.
- Update Marketing Materials: Likewise, ensure that any promotional materials, including digital content and brochures, comply with the new rules.
- Engage with Compliance Experts: For a smoother process, partnering with regulatory professionals, like Quality Smart Solutions, can streamline the compliance process. Our team helps businesses navigate complex regulations and implement practical solutions.
- Educate Your Team: Train your staff on the implications of Bill 96 to ensure company-wide adherence to the regulations.
Why Partner with Quality Smart Solutions?
Navigating the regulatory landscape can be overwhelming. That’s why at Quality Smart Solutions, we specialize in guiding businesses like yours through compliance challenges. Whether it’s bilingual labelling or broader regulatory strategies, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let us support your business in staying ahead of the curve. Contact us today for a consultation.
