Canada textile labelling: bilingual fibre content, CA number and dealer identity
Consumer textile articles sold in Canada, from shirts and towels to bed linen and drapes, must carry a label with their fibre content in both English and French and the identity of the dealer. The rules come from the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations, enforced by the Competition Bureau. A CA identification number can replace the dealer's name and address, but only Canadian businesses can get one.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
What a Canadian textile label must show
Every consumer textile article, meaning any textile fibre, yarn or fabric, or any product made in whole or in part from textile fibre in the form in which it is sold to consumers, must show the generic name and percentage of each fibre that makes up 5% or more of the total fibre mass. Fibres that cannot be identified may be shown as "unknown fibres", "undetermined fibres", "miscellaneous fibres" or "mixed fibres", with their percentage. Fibre names and fibre content must appear in both English and French.
The label must also identify the dealer: either the company name and mailing address where it normally does business, or a CA identification number, which is five digits preceded by the letters CA. CA numbers are available only to Canadian businesses, such as Canadian manufacturers, processors, finishers, importers and sellers, so a foreign manufacturer shows its own name and address or the CA number of its Canadian importer or retailer.
Label details that cause problems
- Permanent labels on items such as shirts, pants, bed linen, towels and drapes must stay legible through at least 10 cleanings
- Hosiery, gloves, sleepwear, underwear and table linens may use a tag, sticker or other non-permanent label
- A registered Canadian trade mark may appear next to the generic fibre name, but not larger or more prominent
- Linings, interlinings or padding added for warmth are disclosed separately
- Trim over 15% of the outer surface area must be disclosed; ornamentation under 5% can be excluded with a statement
- "All" or "pure" may replace "100%" only when a single fibre is present
Tolerances, exemptions and Quebec
A 5% tolerance is generally allowed on the fibre content of blends, but there is no tolerance for single-fibre fabrics or for blends of commercial down or feathers. Some articles are exempt from fibre content labelling, including footwear, handbags, luggage, toys, sports equipment other than sport garments, lawn and beach furniture, car seats, playpens and strollers, pet accessories and belts.
The Government of Quebec has additional language requirements for products marketed in that province, set by the Office québécois de la langue française. Exporters selling the same garment to the US, the EU and Canada should note that each market has its own fibre-naming and language rules, so one label design rarely fits all three.
Step by step
- List every fibre that makes up 5% or more of the total fibre mass, with its generic name and percentage.
- Write the fibre content in both English and French on the label.
- Add the dealer identity: your name and mailing address, or the CA number of your Canadian importer or retailer.
- Use a permanent label that survives 10 cleanings for garments, bedding, towels and drapes.
- Check the extra requirements for Quebec if the goods will be sold there.
Documents you usually need
- Fibre composition test report
- Bilingual label artwork (English and French)
- CA identification number of the Canadian importer or retailer, if used
- Care and wash test showing the label survives 10 cleanings
- Purchase order or agreement on who supplies the labels
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Add the French fibre names and content; both languages are required.
What to do: CA numbers are only for Canadian businesses; use your name and mailing address, or your Canadian importer's CA number.
What to do: Use a permanent label that stays attached and legible through at least 10 cleanings.
What to do: "All" or "pure" can only replace "100%" when a single fibre is present; list every fibre of 5% or more with its percentage.
Sources
- Labelling textile requirements in a nutshell Competition Bureau Canada
- Detailed requirements for textile labelling: dealer information Competition Bureau Canada
- Guide to the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations Competition Bureau Canada
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Port codes by country
Trade notes
Common questions
Does a textile label in Canada need to be in French?
Yes. The fibre names and fibre content must appear in both English and French. The dealer identity and country of origin do not have to be bilingual.
What is a CA number on a clothing label?
A CA identification number, five digits preceded by the letters CA, that identifies a Canadian dealer instead of its name and mailing address.
Can a foreign company get a CA number?
No. CA numbers are available to Canadian manufacturers, processors, finishers, importers and sellers; a foreign company shows its name and mailing address instead.
Which fibres must be listed?
Each fibre that makes up 5% or more of the total fibre mass, with its generic name and percentage.
Are shoes and bags covered by textile labelling rules in Canada?
No. Footwear, handbags, luggage and carrying cases are among the exempt articles.
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