For clothing brands and manufacturers, complying with textile labeling requirements isn’t just about following the law—it’s about building consumer trust and ensuring transparency. The right labels provide essential information on fiber content, care instructions, country of origin, and more. At Rad Sourcing, we’ve helped countless brands navigate these regulations to avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliance. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Why Textile Labeling Is Essential
Textile labeling serves three key purposes:
- Regulatory Compliance: Different countries have strict labeling laws, and non-compliance can lead to fines, recalls, or import bans.
- Consumer Transparency: Shoppers rely on labels to understand fiber content, sustainability claims, and proper garment care.
- Brand Credibility: Clear, accurate labeling shows professionalism and builds trust with consumers.
One of our clients, a growing athleisure brand, nearly faced a product recall due to missing care instructions on a bulk order. By working with Rad Sourcing, they quickly adjusted their labels to meet FTC guidelines, avoiding legal issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.
2. Mandatory Labeling Requirements
Labeling laws vary by country, but these are the core requirements brands must meet:
A. Fiber Content
- Fibers must be listed in descending order by percentage (e.g., 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester).
- Fibers under 5% can be labeled as “other fibers” unless they serve a specific purpose (e.g., 2% Spandex for stretch).
- Blended fabrics must disclose all components.
💡 Rad Sourcing Tip: Be precise. Incorrect fiber labeling can result in hefty fines. We’ve helped brands correct mislabeled blends before customs flagged them.
B. Country of Origin
- Required for most global markets.
- Imported goods must specify where they were made (e.g., “Made in China”).
- Products manufactured in multiple countries may need additional disclosures.
C. Care Instructions
- Must include washing, drying, and ironing guidelines.
- Symbols or written instructions are accepted (e.g., Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low).
- The FTC (U.S.) and ISO (International) provide standardized care symbols.
💡 Rad Sourcing Tip: Use care symbols over text to make labels universally understandable.
D. Manufacturer or Importer Information
- U.S. labels must include a Registered Identification Number (RN) or company name.
- The EU requires traceable manufacturer details for accountability.
E. Flammability Warnings
- Certain products (e.g., children’s sleepwear) require fire safety labels.
- Must comply with regulations such as the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA) in the U.S.
3. Regional Textile Labeling Regulations
Labeling rules differ worldwide, so brands expanding internationally must be aware of local laws:
- United States: Governed by the FTC and the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act.
- European Union: Follows Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, requiring fiber content transparency.
- Canada: Regulated under the Textile Labelling Act and Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.
- Australia: Overseen by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
💡 Rad Sourcing Tip: If you’re selling in multiple markets, we can help create multi-compliant labels that meet different regulatory standards.
4. Best Practices for Textile Labeling
- Ensure labels are durable and legible throughout the product’s lifecycle.
- Use internationally recognized care symbols for global compliance.
- Regularly update labels to stay compliant with changing regulations.
One of our long-term clients, a high-end fashion brand, made the mistake of using print-on labels that faded after a few washes. After switching to woven labels with our guidance, they improved product longevity and reduced customer complaints.
Stay Compliant with Rad Sourcing
At Rad Sourcing, we specialize in helping brands meet textile labeling laws across multiple markets. Whether you need custom labels, compliance guidance, or full-scale production support, we ensure your products meet the highest standards.
📩 Need help with textile labeling? Contact us at www.radsourcing.com for expert support!