Overview of the different labeling and marking requirements, including any restrictive advertising or labeling practices and where to get more information.
Last Published: 3/26/2019

In addition to the requirements described under import/export documentation, all packages containing U.S. produced merchandise must be clearly labeled “MADE IN THE U.S.A.,” or they will not be allowed to enter the country.  For high-tech equipment (e.g., telecommunications equipment, photocopiers, computer hardware and software), French-language keyboards, symbols, instruction manuals, operating systems and applications software are critical to the success of a product.  Do not assume the user speaks or understands English.  The equipment must be adapted to run as specified by European electrical and metric standards.

Generally, consumer product labels must be in French for a product to be acceptable for purchase by importers and consumers.  Manufactured food products must be labeled in French and must have an expiration date.  If an expiration date does not appear on the label, health officials may interpret the date of manufacture as an expiration date and deny entry to the product.  Therefore, it is best to include both dates.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.