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Textile and Apparel Fiber Labeling Requirements

Textile Fiber Identification Act and Wool Products Labeling Act

Pursuant to section 141.113, Custom Regulations (19 C.F.R. 141.113), textile and apparel articles imported into the United States are required to be marked or labeled pursuant to the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (15 U.S.C. 70) and the Wool Products Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. 68). These acts are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The following information in English must be included for marking or labeling purposes:

• Fiber content, by percentage in descending order by weight, using generic fiber names
• Fiber names approved by the FTC or by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) may be used. For example, either spandex (an FTC approved name) or elastane (an ISO-approved name) may be used to name the same fiber.
• Approved fiber names may be modified by other truthful, descriptive words, for example, "pashmina cashmere" or “microfiber polyester.”
• Trademarked names can be used in conjunction with generic fiber names, for example, “Lycra® Spandex” or “Tencel® Lyocell,” but trade names alone do not satisfy the fiber identification requirement.
• The hair of new "hybrid" wool-bearing animals may be identified with the animal name, such as "cashgora hair" or “paco-vicuna hair.”
• The fiber content may be stated on the reverse side of a label, as long as the information is readily accessible. The disclosure “fiber content on reverse side” is no longer required.
• Fibers that weigh less than 5 percent of the total fiber weight should not be identified by name unless they have a definite functional significance when present in that amount. The functional significance need not be stated on the label. For example, if a product is 3% spandex, the label may say "3% spandex," without also stating "for elasticity." If the fiber does not have functional significance at the level present in the product, however, it should be identified as simply "3% other fiber."
• The name of the country of origin of the product
• Country of origin must be disclosed on the front side of a label on the inside center of the neckline in a garment with a neckline. For other textile products, it must be on the front of a label in a conspicuous place.
• The name of the importer, distributor, retailer, or foreign manufacturer
• Importers, distributors, and retailers may use RN numbers or WPL numbers issued by the FTC instead of their names.
• Only companies residing in the U.S. can obtain and use RN numbers. Foreign manufacturers may use either their name or the RN or WPL number of a U.S. importer, distributor, or retailer directly involved with the distribution of the goods.
• The responsible firm may be identified by its trademark name, provided that the trademark name has been registered with the U.S. Patent Office and a copy of the trademark registration has been furnished to the FTC prior to its use. Trademarked brand names may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

NOTE: The FTC is also responsible for enforcing the Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel, 16 C.F.R. Part 423, which requires a permanent label that provides care instructions on all wearing apparel, unless there is an exemption (e.g., gloves).

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