Textile Products: A Trader's Guide

 

A short guide to the legal requirements concerning the fibre content content labelling of clothes and other textile products

Most products, which are made from, or have major parts made from cloth or other textiles, are required to give an indication in writing of the textile fibres they contain.

 

The indication may be given in one of three ways:

  • loose textile products: the indication must be attached to the products
  • goods sold in packages: the indication must be clearly marked on the box, other packing material or be visible without opening the packaging
  • material sold from bulk: eg material sold from a roll: the indication should be on a label attached to the roll itself

 

 

Mind Your Language

 

Any indication of fibre content should be in English.

Other languages may also be used provided there is an indication in English.

Reels of thread and small packets of embroidery products need not give an indication in English but must still have an indication in one of the recognised languages of the European Union.

 

 

How to Comply with the Law

 

You need to comply with the requirements outlined above.

The responsibility for complying with the law on retail premises rests with the retailer. If your supplier does not mark the goods then either you must do so (refer to documentation supplied to ensure accuracy) or take the goods off sale.

 

 

Manufacturers and Suppliers

 

Fibre content should be marked on any documents accompanying goods when sold by wholesale.

 

 

Accuracy

 

The fibre content marked should be accurate. A 3% tolerance is allowed to take account of natural variations. Manufacturers and wholesalers, in particular, should take steps to ensure descriptions are accurate.

 

 

If you wish further advice please contact  the Trading Standards Unit Business Advice Service:

 

Phone: 0141 287 6681

E-mail: ts.enquiries@eps.glasgow.gov.uk