How to Make Compliant Global Textile Labels with Textile Labeling Software

How to Make Compliant Global Textile Labels with Textile Labeling Software

BY: JENNA WAGNER / DATE: 04/04/2024 / TOPICS: TEXTILE, EINZELHANDEL

Navigating the different textile labeling regulations by country can feel like untangling a spool of thread. With each region imposing its own set of standards and requirements, the task of ensuring compliance can seem overwhelming. However, armed with the right textile labeling software, you can streamline this process and confidently navigate textile labeling and regulations.

This blog post will equip you with the knowledge you need to ensure your textile labels are compliant wherever your products are sold and tell you what to look for to find the best textile labeling software.  

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Textile labeling regulations in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the EU

Selling textiles across borders requires keeping up with the regulations of each market. Here's a quick reference guide for the textile labeling requirements in the United States (US), Canada, Mexico, and the European Union (EU) along with the primary agencies responsible for enforcing these requirements.  

Regulations and requirements vary depending on the type of textile being labeled (e.g. clothing garment, curtains, socks, carpet, etc.). Verify what specific requirements are needed for your textiles on the governing agency’s website for the US, Canada, Mexico, and EU. 

Textile labeling in the US 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Textile Labeling Act, which governs the labeling of textile products sold in the US. This includes requirements for fiber content disclosure and country of origin: 

• Country of Origin: Indicate the country where your textile product was manufactured. Phrases like "Made in China" or "Made in USA" are acceptable. 
• Fiber Content: Clearly state the fiber composition of your textile product. List fibers by percentage weight in descending order (highest to lowest). For example, "60% Cotton, 40% Polyester." 

Textile labeling in Canada 

The Competition Bureau is responsible for enforcing the Textile Labeling and Advertising Regulations, which are similar to the US regulations. They oversee fiber content disclosure, specific labeling for wool and fur, and country of origin information: 

• Country of Origin: Provide a clear indication of the country where your textile product was made. 
• Fiber Content: Like the US, list fiber percentages by weight in descending order. However, Canada has specific labeling requirements for certain fibers: 
  • Wool: If your product contains wool, you must specify the fiber content (e.g., wool, cashmere) and whether it is recycled wool. 
  • Fur: Fur labeling in Canada requires details like animal type and origin (domestic or imported). 

Textile labeling in Mexico 

Textile labeling in Mexico is dictated by the Official Mexican Standard (NOM, Norma Oficial Mexicana) NOM-004-SE-2021. This standard applies to all textile products, clothing, accessories, and household linens sold in Mexico, regardless of the origin, if the textile content is at least 50% of the total weight. Here's a breakdown of what information must be included on the label: 

• Country of origin: Where the textile product was made. 
• Fiber composition: A breakdown of the different fibers used in the textile, listed by percentage. 
• Care instructions: Symbols or written instructions on how to properly wash, dry, iron, and otherwise care for the textile. 
• Language: Information must be in Spanish. 

Textile labeling in the EU 

The European Commission (EC) establishes harmonized regulations for product labeling across the EU member states. While specific enforcement falls on individual member states, the EC sets the guidelines for textile labeling, including fiber content disclosure, care instructions, and considerations for multilingual information: 

• Fiber Content: EU regulations emphasize clear information for consumers. List fiber percentages by weight in descending order, following specific guidelines for using terms like "pure" or "all." For example, a product can only be labeled "100% cotton" if it truly contains only cotton fibers. 
• Care Instructions: EU regulations require clear and standardized care symbols to guide consumers in washing, drying, ironing, etc. These symbols should be easily understandable without needing additional explanation. 
• Multilingual Considerations: While not always mandatory, translating care instructions and other label information into the official language(s) of the member state where the product is sold is highly recommended for optimal consumer understanding. 

What to look for when choosing your textile labeling software vendor 

One of the best ways to stay compliant when it comes to the varying textile labeling requirements is to invest in reliable labeling software. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best labeling software for textiles: 

• Technical support: Consider the availability of technical support and training resources provided by the labeling software vendor. Choose a vendor that offers great technical support and online resources to help you maximize the software's capabilities. 
• Scalability: If you anticipate your business growing, choose software that can scale with your needs. 
• Cost effectiveness: Consider the software's pricing model and weigh it against the features offered and the value it brings to your business. Download a free trial to test-drive the software before committing. 
• Bulk printing capabilities with high-speed printers: If you're dealing with high-volume production runs, ensure the software allows for efficient bulk label printing. This could include features like batch printing and compatibility with high-speed label printers. 
• Database integration: Consider whether the labeling software integrates seamlessly with your existing business systems, such as ERP software. Integration capabilities enable real-time data exchange, ensuring that labels always reflect the latest product information and updates. 
• Customizable: Look for labeling software that offers a high degree of customizability, allowing you to create and design labels tailored to your specific textile products. This includes the ability to customize label templates, fonts, colors, and graphics to align with your brand identity and compliance requirements. 
• Barcode and serialization: If your textile products require barcode labeling or serialization for inventory tracking and traceability, ensure that the labeling software supports these features. Look for software that offers barcode generation, serialization, and compliance with industry standards such as GS1. 
• Multi-language support: If you operate in international markets or cater to multilingual customers, choose labeling software that supports multi-language labeling. This includes the ability to create labels with text in multiple languages and support for international character sets. 

The best barcode labeling software for textiles 

TEKLYNX has the best barcode labeling software for staying compliant with your textile labeling. Our suite of products includes various label designers and enterprise solutions to fit the needs of your labeling environment.  

Below are some specific features in our software to help you streamline your labeling process and stay compliant: 

Integrations with business systems: CODESOFT integrates with any database or business system to pull real-time data onto your labels, reducing manual data entry.  

Variable images: CODESOFT supports the use of variable images to make the process of adding care instruction symbols simple. No more having to add symbols and images to each label manually.  

Print forms: Separate the textile label design process from the print process by utilizing print forms for users to populate. Say goodbye to the days of unintended changes to the label design by print users.  

Scale software as business grows: With TEKLYNX pricing model and eCommerce storefront, easily add more licenses to your labeling environment as your business grows without having to wait around. 

Smart label templates: Instead of creating a separate label for each product, variety, and country, use smart label templates to automatically pull in relevant information. No more maintaining hundreds of label files.  

Print automation: With print automation software, print labels instantly without the manual work. Simply scan a barcode, add a record to a database, or customize another trigger of your choosing and voilà – you have a label! 

Supplier labeling: Label management software gives you the ability to deploy a custom browser-based interface for your suppliers to find the most up-to-date and compliant labels. Say goodbye to the days of your suppliers using outdated label files and having to send emails back and forth.   

Navigating textile label requirements can be challenging, but TEKLYNX is here to help. Talk with us to find which label software is the best fit for you. 

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