Regulatory Translation: US Language Rules by Agency
One table of the US federal rules that decide what language a regulated document must be in, from FDA labels to H-2A contracts, with the translation each one calls for.
The short answer
US regulators mostly require English and allow other languages alongside it, but some rules require another language: H-2A job contracts in a language the worker understands (20 CFR 655.122(q)), Spanish on many pesticide labels under PRIA 5, and consent forms in language the subject understands (21 CFR 50.20). Foreign-language advertising must carry its disclosures in that language (16 CFR 14.9).
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| FDA: required food labelling must be in English; if any foreign language is used, all required information must also appear in that language. | 21 CFR 101.15(c) |
| OSHA: safety data sheets and labels must be in English; employers may also provide them in other languages. | 29 CFR 1910.1200(f) and (g) |
| OSHA: where a standard requires training, it must be given in a language and vocabulary workers can understand. | OSHA, Training Standards Policy Statement (28 April 2010) |
| DOL: H-2A employers must give each worker a copy of the work contract in a language the worker understands. | 20 CFR 655.122(q) |
| EPA: PRIA 5 phases in Spanish translations on pesticide end-use labels; restricted-use and acute-toxicity-category-I agricultural products came first (December 2025), with all labels due by 2030. | EPA, Bilingual Labeling |
| CBP: commercial invoices and attachments must be in English or accompanied by an accurate English translation. | 19 CFR 141.86(d) |
| FTC: an advertisement in a language other than English must make its required disclosures in that language. | 16 CFR 14.9 |
Two kinds of language rule
Federal rules about language fall into two groups, and they call for different work. The first group says English is required, other languages are allowed: food and device labels, safety data sheets, customs invoices. Here the translation is usually into English, from a foreign supplier's document, or an added language on a label that must then be complete. The second group says the reader must understand it: worker contracts, training, consent forms, advertising disclosures. Here the translation is out of English, into the language your workers, patients or customers actually read.
The "all or nothing" labelling rule
FDA's food, drug and device rules share a pattern that catches many importers: a label may carry a second language, but if it does, every mandatory statement must appear in that language too. A Spanish product name and an English-only ingredient list is non-compliant. When we translate a label we work from the list of mandatory elements for that product type, not just the text that happens to be on the artwork.
Translating out of English for workers
Agriculture, construction and manufacturing employers translate the most compliance text, and the rules there are about comprehension, not formality. An H-2A contract must be in a language the worker understands; that may be an indigenous language rather than Spanish for some workers from Mexico and Guatemala, and we will tell you if we cannot cover it. OSHA's training rule is similar: a translated slide deck is not training if the trainer cannot answer questions in that language, so translate the handouts and plan the delivery too.
Federal language-access policy changed in 2025
Executive Order 14224 (1 March 2025) designated English as the official language of the US and revoked Executive Order 13166, which had directed federal agencies to serve people with limited English. The rules in the table above are separate regulations and statutes and were not changed by that order. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act still applies to recipients of federal funds, and state laws, such as New Jersey's 2024 language-access law for state agencies, add their own duties.
What we don't do
This page lists rules; it does not tell you which apply to your product or workforce. Ask your regulatory counsel. We translate the documents and flag missing mandatory elements we notice, but we do not certify compliance.
Documents we translate for this
User Manual translation
Translation of user manuals, instructions and quick-start guides for products sold in the US, the EU, Canada and elsewhere, following each market's …
Employee Handbook translation
Translation of employee handbooks, policy manuals and workplace notices for employers with staff who read Spanish, Portuguese and other languages.
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Does OSHA require safety data sheets in Spanish?
No. They must be in English, and employers may also provide other languages (29 CFR 1910.1200). Training, though, must be in a language workers understand.
Does the English official-language order mean we can stop translating?
Not for the rules on this page. Executive Order 14224 revoked a federal language-access order; it did not repeal regulations such as 20 CFR 655.122 or 21 CFR 50.20, or statutes such as Title VI.
Which language should an H-2A contract be in?
One the worker understands (20 CFR 655.122(q)). For most workers that is Spanish, but some speak an indigenous language first. Ask before translating.
Do customs invoices need a certified translation?
19 CFR 141.86 asks for an accurate English translation. It does not require certification, but a signed certificate of accuracy helps if CBP questions it.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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