US textile labeling requirements under the FTC mean that most textile products sold to consumers must carry a label with three items: the fibre content, the country of origin and the identity of the business. The business can be shown by name or, if it has one, by a registered identification number (RN) issued by the Federal Trade Commission.
These come from the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the FTC's rules. This is a summary. Check the rules on ftc.gov, as the details, such as exemptions, are many.
What must the fibre content show?
The label lists each fibre by its generic name, in order of predominance by weight, with the percentage of each. Use the generic names recognised by the FTC, not trade names alone. Minor fibres below a threshold can be grouped as other fibres. Wool has a separate law with its own rules.
Fibre content is a lab matter as well as a label matter. A label that says 100% cotton on a blend is a violation, so test if you are unsure. See fibre content labelling tolerances, which explain how much variation is allowed.
How is origin shown?
The label must show the country where the product was processed or manufactured, such as Made in India. For imported goods this is enforced alongside US Customs origin marking rules, which require the origin to be marked in a conspicuous and permanent way. The two systems overlap but are not identical. Our guide on country of origin marking for textiles from India explains the logic.
If the fabric came from one country and the garment was sewn in another, the origin depends on the rules for the product. Confirm with a customs broker. Origin also matters for duty and cotton traceability, as discussed in proving cotton origin for US customs.
What is an RN number?
The business identity on the label can be the name of the manufacturer, importer, distributor or seller, or an RN. The FTC issues RNs to businesses in the United States, and an RN can be used in place of the name. An RN is optional. If you do not have one, put the full business name on the label. A foreign factory generally uses its name, and a US importer may use its own RN.
An RN does not replace the other items. It is only the identity part. Apply through the FTC, and do not use another company's number without permission.
Who is responsible, and when?
The importer is responsible for imported goods that arrive in the US. Garments that are substantially complete need their labels when they arrive. For items not yet ready for sale, the invoice should identify the fibres, the origin and the manufacturer, and labels can be attached before sale. Ask your broker how this applies to your goods.
Care instructions are required by a separate FTC rule for garments. See care labelling rules in the US, UK and EU. Children's products have extra safety rules, covered in CPSIA for children's textiles.
How do you get this right with an Indian factory?
Put the label text in the tech pack and the purchase order: fibre names, percentages, origin line, business identity and care symbols. Approve a label sample before bulk. Check the labels in the pre-shipment inspection, because mistakes repeat across thousands of pieces. Our guide on the US import path for fabric and garments puts this in context.
Next step
We find and audit factories, check samples and documents, have lots tested, and supervise production and loading, including a label check before loading. Book a free sourcing review.