Countries / Americas

Canada

Tax stamps on excise goodsChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemExcise stamps on tobacco, cannabis and vaping products (Canada Revenue Agency)
Code on the productPhysical security stamps, coloured by province; GS1 DataMatrix on medicines by industry roadmap (no serial number required)
AggregationNo.
First stepHold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

Tobacco, cannabis and vaping products sold to consumers must carry a federal excise stamp that seals the package; each province uses its own stamp colour. Medicines carry GS1 DataMatrix with GTIN, lot and expiry under an industry roadmap, but Health Canada does not mandate unit serialization.

If you supply this market

  1. Hold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
  2. Order stamps from the authority for each batch: Excise stamps on tobacco.
  3. Apply a stamp to every unit before release and activate it in the system.
  4. Keep stock and reports in line: unstamped goods can be seized.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Already in force

  • 2025GS1 Canada roadmap: pharmacies able to scan GS1 DataMatrix

What the code looks like

TAX STAMPSN 0001234567

Tax stamp on each unit

Physical stamp
Applied to every pack or bottle, usually by the manufacturer or importer
Serial number + 2D code
Issued by the tax authority; the manufacturer applies it
Check
Inspectors and often consumers scan it to confirm the duty was paid

The stamp is ordered from the authority and activated when it is applied. Schematic drawing.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in Canada?

Only excise goods carry tax stamps: Excise stamps on tobacco. Other consumer goods are not marked.

What is already in force?

2025: GS1 Canada roadmap: pharmacies able to scan GS1 DataMatrix.

What code goes on the product?

Physical security stamps, coloured by province; GS1 DataMatrix on medicines by industry roadmap (no serial number required).

Is aggregation required?

No.

What changes next?

No announced changes found yet.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with CRA: excise stamps, information for consumers. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.