Rule 22 of 33

Quebec Bill 96 / Law 14 (French language)

What does Quebec Bill 96 require on my website and packaging?

French must be markedly predominant on public signage, and descriptive or generic wording inside a trademark must appear in French on packaging. It applies by where you sell, not where you are based. Businesses with 25 or more employees for six months must register with the OQLF.

What the rule requires

Signage, packaging and francization; in force since 1 Jun 2025.

Who it catches

Any business selling into Quebec. 25+ employees for 6+ months must register with the OQLF and francize - the same firms Law 25 already catches.

What this looks like in practice. Your Quebec storefront sign shows English the same size as the French. 'Markedly predominant' means the French must be twice as large - the OQLF can fine $3,000 to $30,000 a day and have the sign taken down.

How to check whether you comply

The checkIs French “markedly predominant” on signage, and are descriptive words inside trademarks translated on packaging? It applies by where you do business, not your HQ.

Read it yourself

We would rather you checked us than took our word for it. This links to the law as published, not to our summary of it.

Primary source CQLR c. C-11, Charter of the French language ↗ Real case OQLF fines $3,000-$30,000 per day; courts can order signs removed ↗

Questions people ask

What does Quebec Bill 96 require on my website and packaging?

French must be markedly predominant on public signage, and descriptive or generic wording inside a trademark must appear in French on packaging. It applies by where you sell, not where you are based. Businesses with 25 or more employees for six months must register with the OQLF.

Who does Quebec Bill 96 / Law 14 (French language) apply to?

Any business selling into Quebec. 25+ employees for 6+ months must register with the OQLF and francize - the same firms Law 25 already catches.

How do I check whether we comply with Quebec Bill 96 / Law 14 (French language)?

Is French “markedly predominant” on signage, and are descriptive words inside trademarks translated on packaging? It applies by where you do business, not your HQ. You can also run our free website check, which tests 25 technical items in about twenty seconds, or book a review if this rule needs a documented answer.

Other rules that catch the same businesses

Rule 23FINTRAC AML - dealerships, financing & leasing Rule 24Ontario Blue Box full producer responsibility Rule 25EU CBAM (carbon border adjustment) Rule 26EU AI Act - Article 50 transparency All of themThe full 33-rule table, searchable

Find out which of the 33 apply to you

The fine risk check asks a few questions about your business and tells you which rules catch you, with the deadlines. Nothing you tick leaves your browser.

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This page summarises a legal obligation in plain language so you can work out whether it applies to you. It is not legal advice, and the primary source linked above governs. Last reviewed 2026-10-03.