If you’re already selling in Canada or thinking about expanding, Québec’s new language laws (Bill 96) should be on your radar. These updates to the Charter of the French Language take full effect on June 1, 2025, and they make an already strict system even tougher.
What’s Changing Under Bill 96?
- French Labeling Must Be the Priority
- Packaging, instructions, and manuals must be fully available in French.
- English can be included, but French must be at least as prominent (or more).
- Trademarks in English? Not So Fast.
- Right now, registered trademarks can stay in English.
- Starting in 2025, any descriptive English elements in a trademark will require translation.
- ecommerce Just Got More Complicated
- If you sell to Québec, your website, checkout process, and customer support must be available in French.
- Online ads, product descriptions, and marketing materials must also be in French.
- Stricter Rules on Public Signage and Ads
- If your business has a presence in Québec, your signage and outdoor advertising must be predominantly in French.
What Happens If You Ignore the Rules?
- Fines of CAD 3,000 to CAD 30,000 per violation
- Daily fines for continued non-compliance
- Court orders to remove non-compliant signage or products
The biggest takeaway? If you aren’t prepared, selling in Québec could become more of a liability than an opportunity.
