To put or not to put a label on my confections?

This is a question that I am often asked! It's true that the legal process affects several organizations and before embarking on a whirlwind of legal procedures that will impact our family (when it is perhaps not even required) it is better to find out! Here is a very short summary to get you started.

I only sew for fun!

If what you are sewing is not intended for sale, you are not required to add a label. However, there is still an advantage to adding an identification label to the inside of your clothing, even if it is just for you and your family:

• Adding the size allows you to have a reference for later
• You can register the pattern if you want to be able to do it again... or not!
• Add a creation date to remember this success
• Enter the fabric used or its origin, to see its quality after a few washes and find out if you will order from this store again.
• Write a little thought to the person to whom you are giving this item of clothing as a gift
• You can also choose to add a small “branded” style label to add an original touch that will complete your work!

I hardly sell any… just a few around me…

As soon as a textile product is sold, the Competition Bureau Regulations stipulate that a permanent identification label should be added. According to this regulation, what should be on the label is the following information:

• Your full name
• Your complete address
• The textile fiber content listed in French and English

The fiber content, for example cotton jersey, must be indicated:
95% cotton/cotton, 5% spandex

When you purchased your fabric, its fiber content was indicated on the website, on your invoice or on the packaging box…. Because they too had to comply with the same regulations!

To learn more, visit: https://www.chicplacard.ca/pages/guide-legal-etiquettes

I would like to sell products made with a brand name

Ready to take the plunge? To sell anything in Quebec under a name other than yours, you must register the name of your project with the Quebec Business Registrar. This register is used to establish the link between a company name and its manager. This class of entrepreneurs is often called “self-employed” or “self-employed people”. This is comparable to someone opening a daycare in their home, plus they can now promote products under a name other than your own. The registration cost is approximately $40 per year and the procedure can be done quickly online.

Your label will contain this information:

• The name of your saved project
• Your complete address
• The textile fiber content listed in French and English

To find out more, visit: https://www.registreentreprises.gouv.qc.ca/fr/demarrer/service-demarrer.aspx

I'm not comfortable putting my address on the label

To avoid having to write your address on the label but remain compliant, it is possible to register to obtain a CA identification number. The cost is $100 and is only payable once and the number is good for life. The procedure can be done online.

Your label will contain this information:

• CA number
• The textile fiber content listed in French and English

To find out more, visit: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/bureau-concurrence-canada/fr/communicaz-bureau-concurrence-canada/numero-didentification-ca

In conclusion , I want to remind everyone that while I enjoy sharing this information, I am not the label police! Several avenues are available to you and which one you take is your very personal choice.