Clothing Labelling Requirements

Clothing Labelling Requirements

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Did you know that the tags in your clothes can tell you a lot more than just the size? 

According to the 2023 Clothing Label Survey, most people find garment size (82%), care instructions (80%), and fibre content (61%) essential on clothing labels. Also, 61% of us want detailed care instructions, and 64% check for sustainability information. 

Clothing labels offer essential information about our garments. But what specific details should we look for on these labels, and why are they so important? Let’s delve into the key aspects and understand their significance.

Do Clothes Need Labels?

Clothes Need Labels

Yes, clothing does require a label. Labels not only represent your brand but also offer important care information to consumers. In many countries, including the US, UK, Australia, EU, and New Zealand, strict regulations mandate the inclusion of care labels on garments. 

These regulations ensure that consumers have the information they need to properly care for their clothing. Additionally, organisations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have specific labelling standards for companies seeking certification. 

Understanding and complying with these varied requirements is crucial for successfully selling your clothing internationally.

Requirement
USA
UK
EU
Australia
Fibre Content
Required
Required
Required
Best practice
Country of Origin
Required
Recommended
Varies
Required
Care Instructions
Required
Recommended
Recommended
Required
Manufacturer ID
Required
Recommended
Recommended
Recommended
Special Labels
N/A
Flammable garments
Ecolabel
N/A

Labelling Regulations and Requirements in Australia

Labelling Requirements for Australia

Australia has specific requirements and recommendations for textile labelling. These standards provide consumers with clear and practical information about clothing and textiles.

Fibre Content

Fibre content labelling is no longer mandatory under federal law since the introduction of the Australian Consumer Law in 2011. Despite this, it remains a common practice to list fibre percentages in descending order, helping consumers understand a product’s composition. In New South Wales, specific fibre content labelling laws still apply for textiles sold in the state.

Country of Origin

Country-of-origin labelling is regulated under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Commerce Act 1905, and Customs Act 1901. Accurate labels are required to indicate whether a product is fully manufactured in Australia, partially produced locally, or entirely imported.

Care Instructions

Care labels are mandatory under Australian law and regulated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). These labels must include clear instructions on cleaning, appropriate water temperatures, and other care methods to avoid damage and prolong the product’s life.

Manufacturer Information

Including manufacturer identification is not a legal requirement in Australia. However, branding labels are commonly used to enhance product recognition and support marketing efforts.

This framework ensures clarity and compliance, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers.

Labelling Regulations in New Zealand

Labelling Requirements for the NZ

New Zealand enforces strict guidelines for clothing labelling to ensure transparency and consumer protection. These regulations cover various aspects, such as fibre content, country of origin, care instructions, and manufacturer identification. Here’s an overview of these requirements:

Fibre Content

Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, fibre content labelling is required when promoting textile products. Businesses must clearly and accurately disclose the composition of fabrics in descending order of percentage. This helps consumers make informed decisions about the products they purchase. For detailed fibre content labelling guidelines, visit the Commerce Commission New Zealand Fibre Content Labelling page.

Country of Origin

The Country of Origin Labelling Standards require businesses to provide accurate and clear information about where garments were manufactured. Labelling must not mislead consumers about the product’s origin. For more information, refer to the Commerce Commission Country of Origin Labelling Factsheet.

Washing and Care Instructions

Care labels in New Zealand must comply with the Consumer Information Standards (Care Labelling) Regulations 2000. Labels should include instructions for washing, drying, ironing, bleaching, and dry-cleaning. This ensures garments are cared for correctly, extending their lifespan. To learn more, visit the Commerce Commission Care Labelling Guidelines.

Manufacturer Identification

While New Zealand does not mandate manufacturer identification on textile labels, including this information is recommended. Adding a business name or logo on labels can help reinforce brand identity and improve consumer trust.

Labelling Requirements in the USA

Labelling Requirements for the USA

In the United States, garment labelling is governed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB). The FTC administers care labelling rules, while the CPB oversees the inspection of textile products entering the country. These requirements are summarised below:

Fibre Content

In the USA, the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act requires labels to list the material components in descending order by weight. For example, a label might read “65% viscose, 35% polyester.” 

Only fibres that makeup 5% or more of the total fibre weight need to be listed; anything less than 5% should be labelled as “other fibres.” If a garment is made entirely of one fabric, you can use terms like “All cotton” instead of “100% cotton.”

Non-fiber materials such as metal, plastic, or leather do not need to be labelled. This includes components like zippers, buttons, or beads. 

Labels must be securely attached to the product and its packaging, remaining intact through distribution and sale until reaching the consumer. 

A 2014 amendment to the Textile rules allows hang-tags stating a fibre generic name, trademark, or characteristics, but they must clarify if they do not disclose the full fibre content, e.g., “See label for the product’s full fibre content.”

Country of Origin

Knowing where your clothes come from is important, and the USA has specific rules to make sure this information is clear and accessible. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements for labelling the country of origin on clothing:

  • Placement for Neck Garments: For garments with a neck, the country of origin label must be inside the centre of the neck, midway between the shoulder seams, or close to another label in the same area.
  • Placement for Other Textile Products: For all other textile products, the country of origin must be on a conspicuous and readily accessible label on either the inside or outside of the product.
  • Packaged Hosiery: Packaged hosiery products do not need a label on each piece of hosiery as long as the required information is on the packaging label and applies to all hosiery inside the package.
  • Socks: Socks must have the country of origin marked on the front of their packages or on labels, placed next to the size designation. This marking must be legible, indelible, conspicuous, readily accessible to the consumer, and as permanent as possible given the nature of the article or package.
  • Packaged Products (e.g., T-Shirts): Packaged products like t-shirts must have the required labelling on both the product and the packaging, unless the product label is clearly visible through the packaging.
  • Imported Materials: A textile product can be labelled “Made in USA” only if both the product and its materials were manufactured in the USA. If made from imported materials, the label must state “Made in the USA of Imported Materials.”

Washing and Care Instructions

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Care Labelling Rule mandates that manufacturers and importers provide clear and accurate care instructions on clothing sold in the USA.

Manufacturers must provide detailed instructions for regular care or warnings if the garment cannot be cleaned without harm. They must base these instructions on evidence that following them will not cause substantial damage to the product. For instance, if a pair of pants can be washed but would be damaged by ironing, the label should state “Do not iron.”

Manufacturers need to attach labels permanently and securely, ensuring they are visible or easily found by consumers at the point of sale. For packaged items, they must also place the care label on the outside of the package or on a hangtag if it is not clearly visible through the packaging.

Importers must ensure that care labels are attached before they sell products in the United States. These labels provide consumers with reliable information, helping them avoid actions that could harm their garments and extend the product’s lifespan.

Manufacturer Identification

This FTC requirement also helps you market your brand. A garment label on a textile product sold in the USA must feature the Registered Identification Number (RN) of the manufacturer, importer, or corporate entity handling the sale. This number establishes dealer identity, and you can reinforce your brand identity by including the manufacturer’s name on the garment label.

Labelling Requirements in the UK

Labelling Requirements for the UK

Garment labels in the UK must include clear, accurate information to meet legal standards and consumer expectations. Key elements are detailed below.

Fibre Content

The Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations require labels to indicate the fibre composition of a garment, specifying the percentage of each fibre used (e.g., “100% Cotton”). Terms like “pure” or “100%” may only be used for single-fibre items. Definitions and permitted descriptions for various materials are outlined in the regulations.

For products sold internationally, fibre content labelling must comply with the regulations of the destination country.

Country of Origin Label

While not legally required under UK regulations, accurately identifying a garment’s country of origin is essential to avoid misleading consumers. Labels must reflect where the garment was made, especially if production spans multiple countries (e.g., “Made in China” for products manufactured in China but designed in the UK).

Washing and Care Instructions

Care instructions are optional but strongly recommended to help consumers maintain their clothing. Labels typically include guidance on cleaning methods, temperature, and drying practices, such as:

  • Wash inside out
  • Dry flat
  • Iron on reverse


In addition to text, care symbols like those developed by
GINETEX are widely used in Europe to convey information visually. Symbols cover washing, ironing, drying, bleaching, and dry cleaning.

Flammability Labels

Certain garments, such as children’s clothing and nightwear, require flammability warnings under the British Standard BS-5722. These warnings must be in bold, red Arial font at a minimum size of 10 points. Compliance ensures safety and informs consumers of any risks.

Label Placement

Labels are typically sewn into the inside seam or neck area of garments for accessibility. Placement should be planned during design to accommodate the necessary information without compromising usability.

Brand Information

Including a brand logo or name on the label enhances product identification. Many manufacturers also include style numbers or other identifiers to assist consumers and retailers. These details are often added to a small woven label in a discreet location, such as the neck or side seam.

These regulations and practices provide clarity for consumers and ensure products meet UK standards.

Labelling Requirements in the EU

Labelling Requirements for the EU

The EU has laid down a variety of regulations regarding the labelling of textile products that are sold within its member nations. These textile labels must be provided in the native language of the member state where the garments are sold, and they must also include the following information:

Fibre Content

The fibre content of textile products sold within the European Union must be clearly labelled in an accessible area. The label containing this information must be securely attached and durable, and this information should not include abbreviations aside from internationally standardised mechanised processing codes.

Only textile products that are composed exclusively of one fibre can be labelled as “100 percent,” and decorative fibres present in concentrations of less than 7 percent need not be labelled. Additionally, it is not necessary to label antistatic substances that are present in concentrations of less than 2 percent, but any non-textile components of animal origin must be marked.

Country of Origin

Legislation regarding declaration of country of origin is not harmonised within the EU. Certain member nations may require this type of labelling, but others may not.

Washing and Care Instructions

Care labelling is not required under EU law, but certain member countries, such as Austria, may require this labelling. However, the EU may find manufacturers liable for defective products under the Product Liability Directive of 1985 if they do not provide this information, so including care labelling with textile products sold in the European Union is highly recommended.

Manufacturer Identification

Manufacturer identification is not required under EU law. However, you are strongly advised to include your branding information with items sold in the European Union to improve your brand exposure.

Other Factors

Legislation regarding specific label placement is not harmonised within the EU. However, exporters to this bloc should be aware of the importance of the European “Ecolabel,” which is available for both food and natural textile products.

To receive an Ecolabel, manufacturers must request certification from the European Ecolabeling Board. In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that the EU has highly stringent requirements for the safety of textile products, and if your products are not in line with these requirements, they will not be allowed inside the European Union.

Conclusion

Clothing labels play a critical role in garment production, balancing regulatory compliance with consumer needs. They provide essential details about fibre content, country of origin, care instructions, and manufacturer identification, enabling consumers to make informed choices and maintain their garments effectively.

Labelling requirements vary across regions like Australia, the USA, the UK, and the EU, making it important for manufacturers to understand and meet local standards. 

Complying with these regulations ensures legal accountability, builds consumer trust, and supports the longevity of products.

For efficient labelling solutions, visit Triton Store. You can also try the Bartender labelling software to simplify and streamline your labelling process.

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