Textile labelling regulations US, UK, Canada and in Germany

Accurate labeling is one of the basic legal requirements for marketing textile products. Textile labelling regulations vary according to national legislation, origin, substance, customer, standard, and user. So is the clothing label really necessary and does each country have any requirements about it? Let’s find out the answer with Dugarco through this article!

1. Is it necessary to label clothing?

The short answer is yes. Clothing labels not only increase your brand awareness but also provide instructions to help customers care for their clothes. In fact, in the United States, Canada, and other countries with strict labeling requirements for clothing, clothing labeling is very important. In addition, some independent organizations have their labeling requirements that if companies want to receive certification, they must follow, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Although the similarities between countries are that textile labelling regulations are applied for consumer protection purposes. But, there are some important distinctions between these requirements that you need to know if you want to sell clothing or home textiles internationally. For example, a simple “Made in the USA” clothing label tag won’t go unnoticed, but we’ll help you navigate the complex regulatory framework surrounding garment care information labeling. wear. This helps you turn your company name into a household name across the globe.

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2. Textile labelling regulations US

FTC and CPB are two organizations working together to provide textile labelling regulations to domestic and foreign textile manufacturers in the United States, the regulations are summarized below:

2.1. The fiber content

Textile labelling regulations US requires that all apparel sold in this country be clearly labeled with their fiber composition. The contents of the label must be listed in descending order of percentage. In addition, non-fibrous materials need not be included in this list.

All fibers present in functional clothing must be listed. For non-functional fibers, if their concentration in the garment is less than 5 percent each, no listing is required. Instead, these yarns will be declared as total percentages in the “other yarns” heading.

Also, if decorative items such as braids and belts make up less than 15% of the garment, no listing is required. In a textile product, if the trim does not exceed 5% of its total composition, list the phrase “Decoration Excluding” at the end of the label. In addition, all textiles should be listed under their generic name rather than their trade name, and linings should also be individually labeled.

2.2. Origin Country

Textile labelling regulations of the United States require all clothing labels to mention the country in which the garment was made. If a textile product is made in the United States and is made from materials made in the United States, it will be labeled “Made in the USA”. If a product is manufactured in the United States but is made with materials from another country, the product’s label must say “Made in the United States with Imported Materials”.

2.3. Instructions for cleaning and caring

Textile labelling regulations in the United States must explicitly include care and hygiene practices on clothing labels. This is intended to provide consumers with the best ways to care for their products. For example, recommending washing and ironing temperatures or providing care measures that could harm clothes.

2.4. Identification of the manufacturer

Textile labelling regulations in the United States require that a textile product sold must have the registered identification number (RN) of the importer, manufacturer, or corporate entity handling the sale of the product. All importers or domestic textile companies must have an RN. Including the manufacturer’s name on the clothing label, it helps you strengthen your brand identity and establish your identity.

2.5. Label position

Required FTC information can be listed on a single label or divided into separate labels. According to this country’s textile labeling requirements, these clothing labels must remain attached to the garment until the product reaches the consumer. For collared clothing, the origin information must be placed in the center of the inside of the neck and other labels should be placed in a conspicuous position.

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3. Textile labelling regulations Canada

Canadian textile labeling act include requirements:

3.1. Fibre content

Textile labelling regulations in Canada require that they contain the generic name of each type of textile fiber accounting for 5% or more by weight of the total fiber weight of the product. The fiber content must be stated as a percentage and must appear immediately before or after the generic name of the fiber. In addition, the fibers must be displayed in the order of dominance.

3.2. Origin country

Textile labelling regulations Canada does not require that the name of the country of origin be displayed on a label of an imported textile product. Only unless the product has a fabric or yarn in it that is imported, then the country of origin requirement should be stated. The country of origin may be mentioned on the product label or a separate label in either official language.

3.3. Producer identity information

According to Canada’s textile labelling regulations, the manufacturer’s identity when displayed on the label of textiles must disclose the name and full postal address. There is also an identification number known as a “CA Number” obtained by applying with the Competition Bureau. The manufacturer’s identity need only be displayed in one of the official languages.

3.4. Flammability clothing

Flammability is a basic and minimum standard for all consumer textiles in Canada. Especially children’s soft toys, bedding items, carpets, mattresses, and tents. Products are flammable and are warned on the product label if there is a flame propagation time when tested as follows:

• Greater than 3.5 seconds and the product surface has no raised fiber surface.
• In greater than 4 seconds or less, products with a fibrous surface rise and show their ignition.

4. Textile labeling requirements UK

Clothing labels are small, but they contain a lot of specific information that is essential to consumers. Below are details of the requirements of textile labelling regulations in the UK:

4.1. The Fiber Content

According to the government’s textile labeling act, the fiber content of a product must be displayed on the label. You’ll need to show the primary fiber content of your business’s clothing as a percentage, such as “100% cotton.” You’ll need to explain the definitions of certain materials and provide information about general descriptions and ways of identifying ingredients present in clothing.

Also, if you sell to other locations outside the UK. You should consider labeling following that country’s regulations. Because each country will have different labeling regulations to follow.

4.2. Country of origin

Country of origin information is optional in textile labelling regulations in the UK. However, specifying the country of manufacture of the product is essential in trade regulations. This will give assurance to customers not to be misled by the brands where the product is made.

4.3. Instructions for caring and washing

Although care and washing instructions are not a mandatory requirement in clothing labels in textile labelling regulations UK. But they are still recommended to support customers who can use the clothes for a long time. Depending on your target consumer, you can recommend short, flexible care instructions on clothing labels, such as:

• Washing clothes inside and out
• Dry flat

• Iron on reverse
• Wash the same color together
• Reshape while damp
• Dry clean only

4.4. Flammable clothes

For children’s clothing and nightwear, your clothing label must show wording that you meet BS-5722 – British Standard for Flammability. If the garment is not capable of meeting these standards, as required by textile labelling regulations, you must say “KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE” on the label. This phrase has some requirements for the red Arial font, must be bold, and at least 10pt in size. This is to ensure that consumers can read it clearly and to limit serious consequences for consumers if they are not fully informed.

4.5. Label position

According to textile labelling regulations, the position of the label must be indicated. Manufacturers tend to put labels on the inside seams of clothes to make them easier to find. But from the outside looking in, the clothing label will be hidden. The location of the label will be discussed with the clothing manufacturer to ensure all necessary information will be displayed.

4.6. Style numbers and brand information

To make a big difference in the branding process, a small brand can also make a big difference in the process. Some consumers are often asked “Where did that come from?” or “What size did you get?” when the opposite person feels excited about the product they are using. Brands are the first place consumers look to get information and respond. Therefore, printing logos and brand information on clothing labels is an extremely necessary thing.

4.7. Additional information

For brands and brands with special certifications or awards, this information may also be displayed on apparel and garment labels. In addition, specific information such as sustainable production or organic fiber content can also be displayed here.

5. Textile labeling requirements in Germany

Textile labeling act in Germany include the following information:

5.1. The fiber Content

The fiber content of textile products is specified in German textile labelling regulations, which must be clearly labeled in an easily accessible area. Labels containing fiber information must be securely attached and durable. This information includes only internationally standardized mechanized handling codes, not including abbreviations. In addition, products that include a new fiber labeled as “100 percent” and fibers with a concentration less than 7 percent do not need to be labeled.

5.2. Country of origin label

Declaring the country of origin is an inconsistency in the textile labeling requirements of the EU in general and Germany in particular. Some countries may require the mention of the country of origin in textile labels, but many others do not.

5.3. Care and washing instructions

Textile labelling regulations of the EU and Germany do not require careful labeling and care instructions, but some Member States may. However, while it does not require labeling, Germany can hold manufacturers liable for defective products. Therefore, careful labeling, care, and washing instructions for textile products in Germany are highly recommended.

5.4. Manufacturer identification

Manufacturer identification is optional according to textile labeling requirements in Germany. However, to improve brand visibility, you should include your brand information on clothing labels.

5.5. Other regulations

Exporters of textile products to Germany or countries within the EU should be aware of the importance of the European “Eco-Label”. To receive the Ecolabel, manufacturers must obtain a certificate from the European Ecolabel Commission and ensure the safety of their textile products. If the products of the exporting party do not meet the requirements of the textile labelling regulations of Germany and the EU, they will not be allowed to be imported into the countries.

6. FAQs about textile labelling regulations

Here are 3 frequently asked questions about textile labeling act:

6.1. Which organization is responsible for clothing labeling inspection?

The FTC and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) oversee labeling requirements for textile products in the United States. In the UK, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is the organization tasked with developing and implementing the country’s textile labeling requirements. In the EU, while the European Commission will be responsible for oversight, member states can still make additional labeling requirements. Product Safety Australia (PSA), a division of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is the organization responsible for overseeing regulations in this country.

6.2. Are there different labeling requirements for adult and child clothing?

Textile labelling regulations vary from country to country, so whether different labeling requirements for adult and children’s clothing are mandatory depends on the regulations in each country. The United States does not have different labeling requirements between adult and children’s clothing. As for the EU, although it has very strict safety requirements for children’s textile products, the EU does not require different labeling for both consumer groups. Similarly, Australia does not distinguish between adult and children’s labeling requirements, but it does apply flammability labeling requirements to certain types of children’s clothing.

6.3. Is there a penalty for not following these rules?

Different countries issue different textile labelling regulations and impose their penalties for not complying with these laws. In each country, regulators can prosecute any case of non-compliance with their country’s labeling laws. For example, your company’s failure to provide proper labeling will result in a $300,000 fine by the regulator, or a similar fine if you fail to disclose the country of origin of the product.

Each country has different requirements for textile labelling regulations. Hope the above article can help you have more useful knowledge about these regulations. Contact Dugarco immediately if you have any questions that need answers!

Contact information:

• Address: 59 Đức Giang, Đức Giang, Long Biên, HN
• Phone: 024 3655 7930
• Email: dugarco@mayducgiang.com.vn
• Website: https://dugarco.com/en/

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Hoang Ve Dung

Dugarco under the talented leadership and guidance of Mr. Hoang Ve Dung has gradually become a large Vietnam clothing manufacturer, supplying clothes for many famous brands from many different countries such as the UK, USA, and Australia.