International regulations on clothing labels: A practical guide

Clothing labels are more than just a minor detail on garments. Beyond their impact on brand image and purchasing decisions, each label is governed by a set of regulations that, if not followed, can lead to issues in various markets. Understanding and adapting to these rules is essential to ensure that our products reach their destinations without complications. However, these labelling requirements can vary by country or region. What should we consider?

Why are labelling regulations so important?

Labels don’t just provide information about the product; they serve as the product’s introduction in each market. Complying with regulations helps avoid penalties and builds consumer trust. Additionally, in a global trade context, adapting to various regulations ensures that our products meet standards, and customers receive all the information they need.

Although each region has its specific requirements, some criteria are nearly universal:

• Manufacturer or distributor identification: This is almost mandatory in every market, as it allows consumers to know who to contact if they have issues or questions.
• Material composition: In most countries, labels must clearly state the materials used in the garment. This is important for both customer purchasing decisions and for those with allergies to specific fabrics.
• Country of origin and specific requirements: While not every country requires the country of origin, this information provides transparency and can be relevant for consumers.

Labelling details by country or region

For companies exporting to multiple markets, it’s crucial to consider the specific regulations of each region. Here are a few examples:

Labelling regulations in the EU

The European Union has a unified regulation on textile labelling under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, which outlines requirements for fibre composition in garments and applies to all member states. This regulation aims to ensure that consumers receive clear and consistent information about textile composition. Key aspects include:

• Material composition: The EU requires labels to state the exact percentage of each textile fibre used in the garment. For example, a cotton garment should be labelled as “100% cotton” rather than simply “cotton.” This helps consumers better understand the product quality and supports informed purchasing decisions.
• Local language on the label: While English is commonly used in export labelling, each EU member country may require labelling in its official language, requiring manufacturers to adapt labels for specific markets.
• Optional care label: Unlike the U.S., the EU doesn’t mandate washing or care instructions on labels, though it is recommended practice, as it can improve garment durability and customer satisfaction. GINETEX, the organisation that created globally recognised care symbols, works with EU regulations to ensure clear and standardised maintenance instructions.
• Eco-labelling and sustainability: With the growing demand for sustainability, the EU is working on initiatives to include information about the environmental impact of garments on labels. This may cover data on carbon footprint, water usage, and material biodegradability. This type of labelling is expected to gain popularity and could become regulated soon as part of the European Green Deal.
  

The EU is also exploring a standardised sizing system for all garments sold in Europe to simplify online purchases and reduce consumer confusion. This may affect how manufacturers present sizing information on labels.

Regulations in Asia

Asia is a diverse market, with each country having its own labelling regulations. Asian countries are among the largest textile consumers and producers, making knowledge of their regulations a competitive advantage.

• Japan: Japanese textile product labelling laws are strict about garment composition and durability. All labels must include information in Japanese, and the Japanese government requires precise fibre declarations as well as specific care instructions for each fabric type. Care labels are mandatory and must display symbols recognised in Japan. Furthermore, Japan has specific regulations for children’s clothing, ensuring materials and components are safe for children.
• China: In China, textile labelling is mandatory and highly detailed. Chinese law requires all labels to be in Chinese and to comply with specific safety standards, especially for children’s clothing. Along with textile composition and care instructions, labels must include detailed information about the manufacturer or distributor, including their licence or registration number. The regulations also focus on classifying materials according to their safety level, with additional labels indicating flammability or the presence of chemicals.
• South Korea: Korea also strictly regulates clothing labels, and in many respects, its regulations are similar to those in the EU and Japan. Labels must include information about the manufacturer, country of origin, material composition, and care instructions. As in Japan, care labelling must be clear and specific. Korea also has strict requirements for children’s garments, focusing on textiles that may be hazardous if they contain certain chemicals or metals.
• India: In India, labelling regulations mainly focus on transparency regarding material composition and country of origin. Although not as extensive as Japan or China, the Indian government requires labels to include accurate information about textile fibres and manufacturer details. India is working towards introducing stricter regulations on textile labelling, particularly for baby clothing and bed linen.

The diversity of regulations across Asia can pose a challenge in standardising labels for export to multiple countries. However, the key is to understand these differences and collaborate with local suppliers or experts who can ensure compliance with each region’s specific requirements.

Labelling regulations in the United States

In the United States, textile labelling regulations are governed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which sets specific criteria through laws such as the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products Labelling Act. These laws are designed to protect consumers, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and supports informed purchasing decisions. Here are some key aspects that manufacturers must meet if they want to export their garments to the U.S. market:

• Material composition: The label must include each textile fibre’s name and percentage in the garment’s total composition. For example, a garment combining cotton and polyester should display something like “60% cotton, 40% polyester.” The FTC allows the use of generic fibre names or registered trademarks as long as they are approved and recognised in the U.S.
• Manufacturer or distributor identification: Every label must include the identification of the manufacturer or authorised distributor. This is done through the RN (Registration Number), a registration number that enables consumers and authorities to identify the responsible company. The RN can be obtained through the FTC and is a quick way to show compliance with regulations.
• Country of origin: In the United States, the country of origin is mandatory. Garments made outside the U.S. must clearly indicate their origin, such as “Made in China” or “Made in Vietnam.” For products made within the country, “Made in USA” can be used, provided that all or nearly all materials and assembly are done in the U.S., meeting strict content and origin requirements.
• Mandatory care label: A distinctive feature of U.S. regulations is the requirement to include a care label with garment care instructions, known as the care label. This label must contain clear instructions on washing, drying, ironing, or cleaning the garment to ensure its durability. The FTC has specific guidelines on what information should be included, and care symbols are permitted as long as they are clear and understandable to the consumer.

The FTC periodically reviews and updates these regulations, making it essential to stay informed to avoid penalties and marketing issues in the U.S. market. It also conducts inspections and assesses compliance, especially in sectors like children’s clothing, where safety and clear information are critical.

How do we adapt labels to different markets?

Here are some tips to ease the adaptation to international regulations:

1. “International” labels: It’s helpful to create a label that combines essential information for major markets. A design with translations in English and Chinese, for instance, can cover most global requirements without needing significant regional adjustments.
2. Universal symbols: Internationally recognised washing and care symbols (like those from GINETEX) are a great ally. They save space on the label and are understood by consumers worldwide.
3. Stay updated: Regulations may change, especially in markets like Europe, which seeks to adapt to online sales. Subscribing to regulatory newsletters or textile association updates can be a great help to avoid surprises.
4. Collaborate with specialised suppliers: Working with experts in regulations and labels can be a valuable investment. For instance, at Indet, we not only know the regulations but also help optimise label design to make it functional and compliant across all markets.

In summary…

Adapting to international regulations is a process that, while requiring attention, doesn’t have to be complicated. With good planning and the right resources, our labels can meet the demands of various markets, avoiding issues and offering a more reliable and transparent shopping experience.