U.S. Labeling Resources
Below is a list of helpful links to the relevant rules, regulations, and guides available for labeling apparel, footwear, textiles, and fashion accessories for the U.S. market.
For more information on labeling, please contact Nate Herman at nherman@aafaglobal.org or (202) 853-9351.
Contents
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Relevant Government Agencies
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Textile and Apparel Labeling
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Textile Fiber Content Labeling
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Wool Labeling
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Leather Labeling
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Fur Labeling
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Down Labeling
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Material-Specific Labeling
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Care Labels
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Country of Origin and Made in USA Labeling
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Registered Identification Numbers
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Environmental Claims
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Other
Relevant Government Agencies:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
for Country of Origin Labeling
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
for particular labeling and marketing items related to product safety
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
for labeling products which include certain toxic chemicals such as pesticides
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
for Organic claims
Textile and Apparel Labeling:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce:
A Guide to United States Apparel and Household Textiles Compliance Requirements [pdf]
The FTC's portal for Textile, Wool, Fur, and Leather Matters
FTC booklet produced in cooperation with AAFA:
“Threading Your Way Through Labeling Requirements under the Textile and Wool Acts”
FTC Enforcement Policy on Imported Textile, Wool, and Fur Products
Textile Fiber Content Labeling:
Federal Legislation:
The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
Wool Labeling:
Federal Legislation:
The Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939
Rules and Regulations Under the Wool Products Labeling Act
FTC Guidance:
Cachet of Cashmere: Complying with the Wool Products Labeling Act
Leather Labeling:
Leather and Imitation Leather Guides, 16 C.F.R. Part 24
Fur Labeling:
Federal Legislation:
Fur Products Labeling Act
Rules and Regulations under the Fur Products Labeling Act
Federal Legislation: Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010
FTC Guidance:
How to Comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act
Down Labeling:
FTC Guidance:
Down... But Not Out: Advertising and Labeling of Feather and Down Products [pdf]
Uniform Law Labels for Filled Clothing [pdf]
Material-Specific Labeling:
FTC Guidance:
Calling It Cotton: Labeling and Advertising Cotton Products
FTC Notice on Bamboo Fabrics:
How to Avoid Bamboozling Your Customers
Care Labels:
Federal Legislation:
Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods
FTC Guidance:
Clothes Captioning: Complying with the Care Labeling Rule
Country of Origin and Made in USA Labeling:
CBP Guidance:
Country of Origin Labeling for Wearing Apparel
FTC Guidance:
Complying with the Made in USA Standard
FTC Notice:
Selling 'American Made' Products? What Businesses Need to Know About Making Made in USA Claims
Registered Identification Numbers:
Registered Identification Number (RN) Database
Apply for a new RN
Update an existing RN
FTC: RN Frequently Asked Questions
Environmental Claims:
FTC Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, “Green Guides”
USDA Policy Memorandum:
Labeling of Textiles that Contain Organic Ingredients [pdf]
EPA Fact Sheet:
Consumer Products Treated with Pesticides
Other:
Federal Legislation:
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (not for textiles)
FTC Notice:
Wedding Gown Labels: Unveiling the Requirements
FTC Resources:
Jewelry Labeling
For more information on labeling, please contact Nate Herman at nherman@aafaglobal.org or (202) 853-9351.