The labelling of textile products harmonizes the names of textile fibers and other terms used in labelling or other documents accompanying these products, in order to ensure adequate information for consumers and to promote the development of the market.

What is a textile product?

• A raw, semi-worked or made up product exclusively composed of textile fibers, or

• a product containing at least 80% by weight of textile fibers, or

• the textile parts of carpets, mattresses, camping goods, furniture, umbrellas, sunshades, warm linings of gloves and mittens provided they contain at least 80% textile fibers, or

• textiles forming a part of other products where the textile parts are specified.

How should the product be labelled?

• All items must carry a label indicating the fiber content either on the item or the packaging. This label does not have to be permanently attached to the garment and may be removable. If the product is supplied to a wholesaler, the indication may be contained within business documents (e.g. the invoice).

• A textile product consisting of two or more fibers accounting for 85% of the finished product should be marked with the fiber followed by a percentage, e.g. Cotton 80% Polyester 15% Nylon 5%.

• If a product consists of two or more components with different fiber contents, e.g. a jacket with a lining, the content of each must be shown.

• Any decorative matter that makes up 7% or less of the product is excluded from the indication of fiber content.

• The word ‘pure’ should only be used where the garment is made up of only one fiber.

• The word ‘silk’ cannot be used to describe the texture of any other fibre; e.g. ‘silk acetate’ is not permitted.

• Only certain names can be used for textile fibres.

What is labelling?

Textile products must be labelled or marked whenever they are put onto the market for production or commercial purposes. Where these products are not being offered for sale to the end consumer, or when they are being delivered in performance of an order placed by the State, labelling or marking may be replaced by accompanying commercial documents. The names, descriptions, and details of textile fibre content must be indicated in these commercial documents. They must also be indicated on products offered for sale to consumers.

With the exception of trademarks or the name of the undertaking, information other than that required by this Directive must be quite separate. Member States may require that their national language is used for the labelling and marking required by the Directive.

A textile product composed of two or more components which have different compositions must bear a label stating the fibre content of each component. Where two or more textile products have the same composition and form a single unit, they need to bear only one label.

The Directive contains specific requirements for the labelling of:

• Corsetry articles,

• Etch-printed textiles,

• Embroidered textiles,

• Yarns consisting of a core and cover made up of different fibres,

• Velvet and plush textiles,

• Floor coverings and carpets.

The Directive makes provision for derogations for the labelling of certain textile products.

Labelling to inform the consumer:

Consumers need to be confident that a textile item is safe to use and meets required standards. There is legislation to protect consumer rights. Labelling on the product and its packaging will provide the relevant information about:

• Country of origin to say where the product was made

• Fibre content, which will affect care instruction and product flammability and warn those allergic to certain fibres

• Fire and safety warning, such as product flammability warnings on upholstery, furnishings, soft toys and children’s nightwear, and choking hazards for small children

• Care and washing instructions

• British and European standard symbols, such as the Kitemark and CE mark

• Trademarks to guarantee quality, and protect the manufacturer from copying by others and from cheaper limitations

• Size

• Product identification code

• Environmental and ethical status

The manufacturer will use symbols on the label to inform the consumer and promote sales. The consumer, however, has the responsibility to use and care for the product as instructed on the labelling.

Companies may add their name and logo to the label along with a certification trademark, such as the Woolmark. This type of trademark can be used under licence, providing the product meets agreed quality standards.