What Quebec’s Bill 96 Means for Food Suppliers: Key Trademark & Labeling Changes
May 27, 2025
Food suppliers distributing products in Quebec should be aware of significant upcoming regulatory changes. Effective June 1, 2025,Quebec’s Bill 96 introduces stricter requirements on the use of non-French terms in trademarks, product labeling, and public signage. Businesses will need to ensure compliance with the new language rules, particularly regarding the visibility and predominance of French on all consumer-facing materials.
What’s Changing?
Bill 96 strengthens Quebec’s French language laws and will significantly impact how trademarks appear on food packaging and public signage:
- Only registered non-French trademarks without a French equivalent will be allowed in English (or other languages) without translation.
- Any generic or descriptive terms in trademarks must be shown in French either directly on the product or on something permanently attached (e.g., label, tag).
- Public signage visible from outside must present French text as “markedly predominant” meaning it takes up twice the space of non-French text.
Why This Matters to Food Suppliers
- Many food products rely on brand names and descriptors that are in English or another language. If these aren’t properly registered or translated, they may no longer be compliant.
- Packaging updates may be needed to include French translations of generic terms.
- Fines for violations are steep ($700 to $30,000 per offense), with each day counting separately.
For further information on Bill 96, please view the following GAIN report.
