Textile Products
As I already mentioned in “Product Labeling Requirements (Part 1) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires you to comply with federal labeling requirements for textile, wool and fur products. The mandatory labels are: the country of origin, the fiber content, and the identity of the manufacturer or another business responsible for production, importing or handling the item.
You have to follow the labeling rules only when products are completed and ready for sale to consumers. If any parts of the item shipped between stages of production, all necessary information must be included in an invoice disclosing the fiber, country of origin, manufacturer or dealer identity, and the name and address of the person or company issuing the invoice. Keep in mind that the products must be labeled even if small details have not been finished — such as hemming, cuffing, or attaching buttons to garments.
“In general, most clothing and textile products commonly used in a household are covered by the labeling requirements. Such items include:
– Clothing (except for hats and shoes — see p.3)
– Handkerchiefs
– Scarves
– Bedding — sheets, covers, blankets, comforters, pillows, pillowcases, quilts, bedspreads, and pads (but not outer coverings
for mattresses or box springs)
– Curtains and casements
– Draperies
– Tablecloths, napkins, and doilies
– Floor coverings — rugs, carpets, mats
– Towels, washcloths, and dishcloths
– Ironing board covers and pads
– Umbrellas and parasols
– Bats or batting
– Flags — with heading or more than 216 sq. inches in size
– Cushions
– All fibers, yarns and fabrics (except packaging ribbons)
– Furniture slip covers and other furniture covers
– Afghans and throws
– Sleeping bags
– Antimacassars and tidies (doilies)
– Hammocks
– Dresser and other furniture scarfs”.
Source: Labeling Requirements under the Textile and Wool Acts, www.ftc.gov.
Stay tuned for our next post on Labeling.
Svetlana Zakharina teaches SXF 201: Advanced Style, Plan, and Merchandise- From Concept to Production and SXF 240: Global Sourcing.