CROSS-BORDER PLAYBOOK - Selling Products in Quebec?
Your Packaging Needs French, Too.

crossborder playbook Selling Products in Quebec

Amazon has published new guidance on Quebec’s French-language requirements. Here are 5 things brands selling on Amazon.ca should check.
Expanding into Canada isn’t just about creating an Amazon.ca listing and sending inventory to FBA.
If your products are available to customers in Quebec, the product itself, its packaging, labels, and even materials inside the box may need to meet French-language requirements.
On September 20, 2026, Amazon published new guidance reminding sellers of these requirements and their responsibility to comply.
So, before sending inventory to Canada, here are 5 important things to check.

1. CHECK THE PRODUCT
Start with the physical product itself.
Information appearing directly on the product may need to be available in French, unless a specific exception applies.
Pay particular attention to:
Product descriptions
Directions for use
Warnings and safety information
Other informational text
Quick check: Pick up your product and look at every English inscription. Is the required information also available in French?

2. CHECK THE PACKAGING & LABELS
Having a French translation somewhere on the package isn’t necessarily enough.
According to Amazon’s guidance, French must be at least as prominent as any other language
That means looking at:
Font size
Font weight and style
Placement
Visibility
Overall presentation
For example, if English information is displayed prominently on the front of the box while the French version appears in smaller text on the side, the prominence requirement may not be met.
Think equal prominence – not just translation.

3. DON’T FORGET WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX
French-language requirements don’t necessarily stop at the packaging.
You should also review materials supplied with the product, such as:
Instruction manuals
Directions for use
Warranty certificates
Safety information
Product inserts
If you include a printed English manual, for example, making customers contact you separately to request the French version may not meet the accessibility requirement.
French should be as easy to find and access as English.

4. UNDERSTAND THE EXCEPTIONS
Yes, there are exceptions – but they don’t automatically exempt the entire product or package from French requirements.
Amazon highlights exceptions that can apply to certain:
The important part is how the exception applies.
For example, certain registered Canadian trademarks may remain in English, but generic or descriptive product wording can still require French. Similarly, some permanent inscriptions on foreign-manufactured products may qualify for an exception, while safety-related information still needs to appear in French.
Amazon also states that sellers relying on an exception must be able to demonstrate that all the conditions for that exception are met.
Bottom line: Don’t assume “imported product” or “registered trademark” means your entire English package is exempt.

5. REMEMBER: QUEBEC ISN’T THE ONLY CHECK
Quebec’s French-language requirements are only one part of Canadian product compliance.
Depending on the type of product you sell, federal Canadian bilingual labelling requirements may also apply.
Before launching on Amazon.ca, brands should review both:
🇨🇦 Federal Canadian requirements ⚜️ Quebec-specific French-language requirements
Meeting one doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve met the other.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER FOR AMAZON SELLERS?
Amazon states that products that don’t comply with its Quebec French-language policy may be subject to action, including removal of the relevant product listings.
For brands expanding from the U.S. or other markets into Canada, review packaging and labelling before sending inventory to Amazon.

YOUR QUEBEC READINESS CHECKLIST
Before sending inventory to Canada:
Review all text on the physical product
Review packaging and labels
Make sure French is at least as prominent as other languages
Check manuals, warranties, and inserts inside the box
Make sure French information is equally accessible
Verify any exception you’re relying on
Review applicable federal Canadian labelling requirements

CROSS-BORDER EXPANSION IS MORE THAN A NEW LISTING
Launching on Amazon Canada involves more than translating a listing and sending inventory across the border.
From packaging and labelling to FBA, marketplace requirements and compliance, preparing before launch can help avoid costly issues later.
At Next Success, we help brands navigate expansion into Amazon Canada and understand the marketplace requirements they need to consider.
Planning to expand your brand to Amazon Canada?
Let’s make sure your Canadian Amazon strategy is ready before your inventory crosses the border. 👉 Complete the form here: https://lnkd.in/eJE-iw5m

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Businesses should review the requirements applicable to their products and consult qualified professional, regulatory, and legal counsel where appropriate.