Textiles and footwear labeling
Last updated | 21/06/2007
What the legislation does
Textiles & clothing
Most textile (with some exemptions) items must carry a label indicating the fibre content either on the item or the packaging. This label does not have to be permanently attached to the garment and may be removable. The fibre content indication is normally in descending order by percentage. The legislation lays down specified names for clothing fibres.Any advertisement which describes textile products with sufficient detail that enables a consumer to order them by that description, must carry an indication of the fibre content of the products.
Advice from TS Central FootwearRegulations are in place to ensure consistency in labelling of footwear by providing for the use of certain pictograms or prescribed written indications. The regulations cover shoes, sandals, boots, slippers, espadrilles, sports shoes (including specialist sports shoes and those with skates attached) and all articles with applied soles designed to protect or cover the foot. The main components of footwear are also covered when marketed separately.
Further advice Enforcement
Manufacturers, importers and retailers must not supply textiles or footwear unless it is labelled in accordance with the regulations.If the footwear offered for supply uses the allowed pictograms to indicate its composition an explanatory notice must be displayed where customers can easily read it.Retail outlets are visited to ensure compliance.
Premises Affected
Supermarkets, shoe retailers, warehouse outlets, clothes retailers, sports shops, specialist wear retailers, manufacturers, importers, mail order and catalogues, internet sales.
Key Legislation
Textile Products (Indication of Fibre Content) Regulations 1986
Footwear (Indication of Composition) Labelling Regulations 1995
