An Overview Of Bill 96: Quebec’s French Translation Requirements

Recent developments in Quebec have brought a renewed focus on the use of French in the Canadian province, including expanded French translation requirements for companies that primarily provide their products in another language. In 2024, Quebec amended its French translation requirements via the Final Regulation, which expanded on Bill 96’s requirements. Bill 96 is a law that increased the French translation requirements in 2022 and amended Quebec’s Charter of the French Language. 

Some of the requirements include French translations on all products, including containers, wrapping, and documents or objects supplied with such products. This includes but is not limited to product labeling, advertising, signage, warning labels, instructions, warranty manuals, and owner’s manuals. The Final Regulation further expanded these requirements to include the French translation of any generic terms or descriptions of the product included in the trademark.

The Office Québécois De La Langue Française (OQLF) is the regulator in Quebec that enforces these laws and regulations. If RV manufacturers sell to RV dealers in Quebec, such manufacturers should be communicating with their respective dealers. The recent amendments in 2022 further expanded the penalties for non-compliance. For a company’s first offense, fines have increased exponentially, ranging from $3,000 up to $30,000 per day. For subsequent offenses, the penalties may be doubled or tripled. 

For those manufacturers who sell units into Quebec, RV manufacturers should review these laws and regulations with legal counsel to ensure compliance with their respective units and any documentation supplied with those units. Additionally, RV manufacturers should work with their suppliers on providing component parts with the labeling, instructions, warranties, and other related materials in French.