When selling apparel internationally, brands must navigate quite different regulatory landscapes for labeling in the UK and the U.S. Getting it wrong can lead to compliance risk, brand damage and costly recalls. In this article we compare key aspects of the label requirements in the UK and the USA — focusing on fibre composition, country of origin, manufacturer identity, care instructions and other label elements — and highlight how your business can stay compliant whether you’re operating domestically or across the pond.
The UK Label Standard: What you must include
In the UK, textile-labelling requirements are governed by the Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations 2012 (and associated guidance). Législation en ligne+2businesscompanion.info+2 Key highlights:
- Fibre content: Every textile product must declare fibre composition — for example “cotton 80%, polyester 20%”. If a product has multiple components (e.g., outer shell and lining), each component’s fibre content must be shown. businesscompanion.info+1
- Language, legibility, durability: The label must be in English (or appropriate language) and be durable, easily legible and visible. businesscompanion.info
- Non-textile parts of animal origin: If an item contains, for instance, fur trimmed, leather, bone or other animal parts, the label must indicate “Contains non-textile parts of animal origin”. businesscompanion.info+1
- Permissible fibre names: Only certain generic fibre names may be used (as listed in the EU / UK Regulation). The use of misleading terms such as “silk acetate” is not allowed. businesscompanion.info
- Care & size labels: While the primary regulation is on fibre composition, size and care labelling may also be required or recommended under other regimes. The UK continues to align with EU-based rules in many respects. Compliance Gate+1
- Digital labelling developments: Newer initiatives in the UK are exploring digital labelling options for textiles allowing online information rather than solely physical labels. carbonfact.com
For more on how to label and compose your garments, you might visit the Our Products page, or order a sample and check your existing labels.
The USA Label Standard: Key requirements
In the United States, labeling is overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Federal Trade Commission+1 The main labelling requirements for apparel/textiles include:
- Fibre content: Labels must state the generic fibre names and the percentages by weight of each constituent fibre that exceed 5%. Fibres must be listed in order of predominance by weight. Compliance Gate+1
- Country of origin: Every garment imported into the U.S. must be marked with the English name of the country where it was made (or otherwise transformed). CBP+1
- Manufacturer/importer identity: The label must show the manufacturer or importer name or a registered identification number (RN) registered with the FTC. Federal Trade Commission
- Care instructions: The “Care Labelling Rule” under 16 CFR 423 requires manufacturers to attach permanent care instructions giving at least one safe method of cleaning. The Fashion Law+1
- “Made in USA” claims: If you wish to label a garment “Made in USA”, strict criteria apply – everything (or ‘virtually all’) must be of U.S. origin including fabric, components and final assembly. Sewport
- Size labelling: Interestingly, there is no federal US requirement for size labels – although many brands include them as standard practice. Wunderlabel
Two Jurisdictions Compared: What are the key differences?
Here’s a side-by-side of major differentiators:
| Label Element | UK (and broadly UK/EU style) | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre content | Must show fibre content for whole product; for multi-component items, each must be shown. GOV.UK+1 | Must show fibre content with percentages for each fibre over 5%. Compliance Gate |
| Non-textile animal parts | Explicit requirement: “Contains non-textile parts of animal origin” for items with such components. businesscompanion.info+1 | U.S. regulations govern fur, wool and some animal parts under separate acts (e.g., Fur Products Labelling Act) but no identical phrasing to UK regulation is always required. |
| Country of origin | UK labels require origin marking under broader product safety/marking laws and EU rules. Euverify+1 | Mandatory country of origin mark for imports: English name of country, conspicuous. CBP |
| Care instructions | Care labels are often required under general product safety rules though the primary regulation is fibre composition. | The U.S. mandatory Care Labelling Rule requires at least one safe cleaning method. The Fashion Law |
| Size labelling | In the UK/EU size labelling is common and sometimes regulated (e.g., EN-13402 for size designation). Wikipédia | No federal mandate for size labels, although industry practice fills the gap. Wunderlabel |
| “Made in USA/UK” claims | UK/EU such claims must not mislead and must comply with origin rules. | Very stringent: “Made in USA” requires all or virtually all US content. Sewport+1 |
| Digital/online labelling evolution | UK and EU jurisdictions are exploring digital labelling for textiles. carbonfact.com | U.S. traditional physical labelling dominates; online claims need to be consistent with physical label and FTC rules. |
Why do these differences matter for brands and manufacturers?
- Market access & compliance: Selling in both markets means you must ensure labels meet both sets of rules. A garment compliant in the UK may still be non-compliant in the USA if, for example, the fibre percentages or origin marking is missing.
- Cost & risk: Incorrect labels can lead to enforcement, recalls, fines, or loss of reputation. For instance, the FTC can act against deceptive “Made in USA” claims. The Fashion Law+1
- Consumer trust: Proper labelling communicates transparency and builds brand trust — especially important for claims such as “animal-free”, “sustainable” or advanced materials. In the UK the rule about “non-textile parts of animal origin” helps consumers understand exactly what they’re buying.
- Supply chain complexity: Knowing your components, manufacturing origin, and materials is vital. In the USA you must know not just where final assembly occurred, but where the fabric and major components came from for origin claims.
- Label design & logistics: Label space, wording, positioning and durability differ. What works in the UK might not meet U.S. conspicuous placement rules or labelling formats.
Practical Steps for Brands
- Audit your current labels: Check your garments for fibre content, country of origin, manufacturer/importer name or RN (USA) and care instructions.
- Separate or dual-labelling approach: If selling in both markets, consider two versions of the label: one optimized for the UK/EU, one for the USA.
- Work with professional label suppliers: At Our Products we supply labels that conform to UK rules — but if you export to the USA you’ll want to ensure they also meet U.S. requirements. Order a sample to test your garments.
- Stay up to date: Regulations evolve — for example, UK digital labelling initiatives are emerging. carbonfact.com Keep monitoring your compliance obligations.
- Link to more resources: For deeper insights and updates you might visit our Blog or About Us pages to learn how we support brands in navigating label compliance.
- Seek legal or compliance advice: Especially if you’re making origin claims, sustainability claims, or selling across multiple jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Label standards may seem like mere administrative detail — but in reality they are a vital part of product compliance and brand integrity. The UK (and EU-derived) rules emphasise fibre content, legibility, non-textile animal parts and clear labelling for textiles, while the U.S. regime places additional emphasis on manufacturer identity, fibre percentages, country of origin and care instructions. By understanding and respecting these differences you safeguard your market access, protect your brand, and demonstrate transparency to consumers.
If you’d like help designing compliant labels or understanding specific scenarios (e.g., multiple components, recycled fibres, sustainability claims), feel free to get in touch via our Contact page and we’ll be happy to guide you.