Cannabis duty – Register for the cannabis stamping regime

The information described on this webpage is based on the Excise Act, 2001 and its regulations.

Overview of the cannabis stamping regime

Cannabis licensees that package cannabis products must affix cannabis excise stamps to the packaging of cannabis products intended for retail sale in Canada. Products that meet the definition of low-THC cannabis products or prescription cannabis drug under the Excise Act, 2001, as well as cannabis products intended for export, are not required to be stamped.

The cannabis excise stamps must be affixed to the products at the time of delivery to the purchaser.

Purpose of the cannabis stamping regime

The purpose of the cannabis stamping regime is to:

  • show that the product was produced legally, and applicable duties are paid
  • allow law enforcement agencies, retailers and consumers to more easily identify counterfeit and contraband products
Placement of the cannabis excise stamps on the packaging

The placement of the cannabis excise stamp on the package must meet all the following requirements. The stamp must: 

  • be in a conspicuous place on the package
  • seal the package
  • remain affixed after the package is opened
  • not interfere with the stamp's security features
  • not obstruct information required by an Act of Parliament – such as labelling requirements from Health Canada 

A cannabis product would be considered packaged when it is packaged in the smallest package (including any outer wrapper, package, box or other container) in which it is sold to the consumer.

Who must register for the cannabis stamping regime

Under the Excise Act, 2001, you must register for the cannabis stamping regime if you are a cannabis licensee who is packaging cannabis products intended for retail sale in Canada. This would include cannabis products for retail sale in Canada when another licensee is packaging and/or stamping your cannabis products on your behalf under an authorized service agreement.

You do not have to register if your only activity is:

You can register for the cannabis stamping regime at the same time as you apply for a cannabis licence under the Excise Act, 2001.

How to register for the cannabis stamping regime

You can register for the cannabis stamping regime by filling out Form L301, Registration for Cannabis Stamping Regime.

After you register for the cannabis stamping regime

The CRA will review your registration to determine if you are eligible for the cannabis stamping regime based on the information provided on your Form L301. We may contact you if we need more information.

The CRA will send you a letter to confirm your registration and provide instructions on how to purchase stamps. The CRA has the authority to issue and limit the number of cannabis excise stamps purchased.

For more information on the cannabis stamping regime, see Excise Duty Notice EDN54, General Overview of the Cannabis Excise Stamps.

How to order cannabis excise stamps

After a person has been registered for the stamping regime, the order process is as follows:

Responsibilities of a licensee who is packaging cannabis products

As a licensee who is packaging cannabis products, you must:

Penalties may apply for unaccounted cannabis excise stamps.

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