
OTTAWA – Hot wireless wearable devices such as Google Glass and Apple Watch may soon be available in Canada after the federal government released new electronic labelling regulations for telecommunication devices on Friday.
Electronic labelling (e-labelling) minimizes the impact on product design of smartphones, tablets and wearable technology as there is no longer a need to make room for stickers or etchings, eliminates the need for costly equipment used to etch information onto devices, and it reduces waste by eliminating the need for stickers. The practice is already accepted in the United States, Australia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Costa Rica.
The new rules allow technology manufacturers to give consumers mandatory information about their devices electronically, including additional details about device warranties or remote updates to address inaccuracies such as typographical errors.
"Today's announcement marks another step our government is taking to help Canadian businesses and consumers take full advantage of the digital economy”, said Industry Minister James Moore, in a statement. “Through e-labelling, both consumers and manufacturers will benefit from access to new market devices."