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CA Identification Number - FAQs


1) What is a CA Identification Number?

The CA Identification Number is an identification number obtained by applying to the Competition Bureau. This identification number, commonly referred to as "CA Number", is registered for the exclusive use of a Canadian dealer on the label of a consumer textile article in place of a name and postal address.

2) Who is considered a dealer?

As per section 2 of the Textile Labelling Act, the "dealer" is the person who:

  • manufactures, processes, or finishes textile fibre products; or
  • is engaged in the business of importing or selling any textile fibre products.

3) What are the dealer's responsibilities?

It is the responsibility of the dealer:

  • to ensure that all information provided on textile labels and in advertisements is accurate;
  • to comply with the Textile Labelling Act and Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations for all articles which bear their CA Identification Number; and
  • to notify the Information Centre of the Competition Bureau in writing should they:
    • transfer their business to another dealer;
    • change the name or address under which they carry on business;
    • cease to carry on business;
    • change any relevant information such as "name of authorized official", "phone number", etc.

4) Do I have to use a CA Identification Number?

No. Canadian dealers use this number to meet provisions of the Textile Labelling Act which require prescribed consumer textile articles to be labelled with:

  • the full name and address of the dealer; or
  • a CA Identification Number.

5) How can I apply for a CA Identification Number?

Online:
See details by clicking on this link: Online Application.

Mail: Download PDF application form here:
CA Identification Number Application Form (PDF, 53KB, 2 Pages).

The mailing address is:

Information Centre
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0C9

Fax: For security reasons, applications sent by fax are not accepted.

6) How much does it cost?

The one-time payment for the registration fee is one hundred dollars ($100.00).

  • The fee for online registration is payable upon application by MasterCard, VISA or American Express.
  • The fee for mail registration is payable upon application by cheque or money order, made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
  • Payments in cash are not accepted.

7) How long does it take to get a CA Identification Number?

Generally a few days. We do not offer same-day service or preferential treatment to anyone, regardless of the situation.

8) Can you telephone, fax or email my CA Identification Number?

No. We mail you a letter advising you of the CA Identification Number that has been issued to you, as soon as the application and the payment have been successfully processed.

9) My company is not in Canada. What can I use instead of a CA Identification Number?

To meet provisions of the Textile Labelling Act dealers are required to label consumer textile articles with their business name and address. See the Textile Labelling Act, Regulations and Guide for more details.

10) Can I use my RN number instead of a CA Identification Number?

No. No number can substitute for a business name and address or CA Identification Number on the label of consumer textile articles.

11) Can I have more than one CA Identification Number?

Yes. While there is no need for a dealer to have more than one CA Identification Number, some dealers prefer to purchase more than one to differentiate their product lines.

12) What if my business moves after I obtain my CA Identification Number?

You are required to update the information in your application with the Information Centre of the Competition Bureau if there is any change in your business name or address.

See FAQ #3 "What are the dealer's responsibilities" for more details.

13) Where can I get more information about CA Identification Numbers and the labelling of textiles?

Textile Labelling Act

Section 12 of the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations

Guide to the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations

14) How do I update my CA Identification Number information?

It is the responsibility of the dealer to notify the Information Centre of the Competition Bureau in writing should they:

  • transfer their business to another dealer;
  • change the name or address under which they carry on business;
  • cease to carry on business;
  • change any relevant information such as "name of authorized official", "phone number", etc.

Mail:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0C9

Email:
compbureau@cb-bc.gc.ca

Telephone:
819-997-4282
Toll free: 1-800-348-5358
TDD (hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844

Fax:
819-997-0324

15) How do I request a reimbursement?

If you want a reimbursement, please contact the Information Centre and make sure to have in hand the Transaction ID which appears on the Transaction Approved page. You will be directed to this page, once you have made your payment.

You can contact the Information Centre by:

Mail:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0C9

Email:
compbureau@cb-bc.gc.ca

Telephone:
819-997-4282
Toll free: 1-800-348-5358
TDD (hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844

Fax:
819-997-0324

Date Modified: 2009-09-04

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