CA number

How to read it

Canada’s Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations ask that a consumer textile article’s label show its fibre content, the name and postal address of the dealer, and the country of origin where it is imported. Section 12 lets a dealer who resides in Canada apply for an identification number to use in place of that name and address, if it makes, processes, finishes or sells textile articles at retail in Canada, imports them, or owns and distributes them there. The Competition Bureau issues the number for a one-time fee of $100, in the form CA00000. Having one is optional, and holders are responsible for keeping their details in the Bureau’s database accurate.

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CA number or RN?

Both stand for a business’s name on a textile label, one in Canada and one in the US. They differ on transfer: Canada’s regulations let a dealer pass its CA number to a later dealer, who may then use it, while the US rules say an RN may be used only by the business it was issued to. The FTC says a Canadian CA number can’t replace a business name or RN on a label for the US.

Where you’ll see it

On the labels of clothing and other consumer textile articles sold in Canada, with the fibre content and, for imported goods, the country of origin. The CA number names the dealer, not the country where the item was made.