Custom Product Labels for Food, Cosmetics & Cannabis — CFIA & Health Canada Requirements

Custom Product Labels in Canada — Compliance, Materials & Printing

If you sell food, cosmetics, cannabis, or any consumer product in Canada, your labels must meet federal regulations. Incorrect labels can result in product recalls, fines, and lost retail shelf space. This guide covers the labelling requirements enforced by CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and Health Canada, plus the materials and printing options available for your products.

Niagara Stands Out prints compliant product labels for businesses across Ontario. We work with food producers, cosmetics brands, cannabis licensed producers, and manufacturers who need labels that look professional and pass inspection.

Food Product Labels — CFIA Requirements

The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and the Food and Drugs Act set out what must appear on food labels sold in Canada:

Mandatory Label Elements

• Common name: What the product actually is (e.g., "Strawberry Jam", "Hot Sauce")
• Net quantity: Weight, volume, or count in metric units
• Ingredient list: All ingredients in descending order by weight, including food allergens, gluten sources, and added sulphites
• Nutrition Facts Table (NFT): Required for most prepackaged foods, following the standard CFIA format
• Allergen declarations: Priority allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, sesame, seafood, mustard, sulphites) must be declared
• Best before date: Required if shelf life is 90 days or less
• Storage instructions: If required for food safety (e.g., "Keep Refrigerated")
• Name and address: Canadian manufacturer, dealer, or importer
• Bilingual text: English and French required (with limited exceptions for local products)

Nutrition Facts Table

The NFT must follow a specific format prescribed by CFIA. Small packages (under 100 cm2 of available display surface) may use a simplified format. Very small packages may be exempt. We design NFTs that comply with the 2022 CFIA format requirements.

Cosmetics Labels — Health Canada Requirements

Cosmetic products sold in Canada are regulated under the Cosmetics Regulations of the Food and Drugs Act:

• Product identity: What the product is and what it does
• Ingredient list: INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names in descending order of concentration
• Net quantity: Metric and/or imperial
• Manufacturer/distributor: Name and address
• Warnings: Specific warnings required for certain ingredients (e.g., sunscreen SPF claims, hair dye warnings)
• Bilingual text: All required information in English and French

Cannabis Labels — Cannabis Act Requirements

Cannabis labelling in Canada is among the most regulated in the world. Health Canada requires:

• Standardized cannabis symbol: Red octagonal stop sign with cannabis leaf, minimum size requirements
• THC and CBD content: Per unit and per package, with specific formatting
• Health warning: Rotating from Health Canada's set of approved warning messages, yellow background, minimum 30% of principal display panel
• Producer information: Licence holder name and licence number
• Lot number and packaging date
• Net weight/volume
• Bilingual text
• No lifestyle imagery: Labels cannot include images of people, animals, or anything that could appeal to youth

Cannabis labels are also restricted in colour — the Cannabis Regulations limit label colours and require specific background colours for warning messages. We stay current with Health Canada's evolving regulations.

Label Materials for Product Packaging

White Vinyl (Waterproof)

Our most popular product label material. Waterproof, oil-resistant, and durable. Ideal for any product that may be refrigerated, frozen, or exposed to moisture. Available in gloss or matte finish.

Clear Vinyl (No-Label Look)

Transparent vinyl creates the illusion that your design is printed directly on the container. Popular for cosmetics, beverages, and premium food products.

Paper Labels

Uncoated or semi-gloss paper for a natural, craft-style look. Popular with artisan food producers, craft brewers, and organic product brands. Not waterproof without lamination.

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)

A plastic film that resists moisture, oils, and chemicals. Industry standard for high-volume food and beverage labels. Available in white, clear, and metallic finishes.

Label Printing Options

Format	Min Order	Best For	Price Range
Roll Labels	250	High-volume production	$0.10-0.50/ea
Sheet Labels	25	Small batches, prototypes	$0.50-2.00/ea
Individual Cut	1	Samples, one-offs	$3-10/ea

Order Compliant Product Labels

We print product labels for food, cosmetics, cannabis, and consumer goods. Our design team reviews labels for regulatory compliance before printing. Made in Canada, shipped from the Niagara Region.

Browse label products or call 289-228-7021 for a quote.