USA Textile Labeling Requirements
When Selling Your Handmades
| Many USA crafters, who are thinking about selling the items that they make, |
may not be aware that there are labeling laws requiring them to attach certain labels to most textile (includes made with yarn) items that they sell. These labeling regulations are not only for the large manufacturer but the individual handcrafter selling items is required by the government to follow these labeling laws, as well.
Note that these are regulations that apply to items made for sale. If you're only handcrafting gifts for your family or friends and not selling any items you have made, then this page does not apply to you. Only when you're selling your handmade items do you need to label and register, where required.
The information on this page regards labeling laws in the United States but many other countries have similar laws, so crafters from other countries who are reading this and who are considering selling their handmades may wish to do some of their own research on the requirements for the country in which they reside.
In the USA, many textile items (that are being sold) are required by Federal
Law to be labeled with:
Content Example
| a content label stating what type of material it's made from (acrylic, cotton, etc.) |
Care Example
| a label that tells how to care for the item (hand wash, dry clean, and so forth). |
| Example
| Textile products (which would include anything made with yarn) are to have a label telling the country in which it was made (such as Made in USA). |
Example
| Clothing (wearables) are to have a label that tells the name of the company that made it |
At The Federal Trade Commission web site: A listing of information on the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts
Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act: www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_99/16cfr303_99.html You can read the different sections in either text or PDF format (PDF requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download for free).
US Labeling Laws Specifically Regarding Cotton
| Content & Care Example 
| A label that states the fiber content must be attached to each clothing or household item that you are selling. The information at the link below says that this includes clothing |
and accessories, draperies, floor coverings, furnishings, and beddings made from cotton fiber or cotton yarn.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/cotton.htm
The standard for a product to be called "Made in USA" is that all or
"virtually all" of the significant parts and processing that go into the product must
be of U.S. origin. If your product is crocheted entirely of imported yarn, you
wouldn't be able to use a simple "Made in USA" label on that product but would need
a different type of label. At the link below, see "Qualified Claims" for
examples of other wording for labels. If you're not sure what your label
should say for the origin of materials you are using, contact
the FTC at the address, phone number or email address given at the bottom of
this page.
Complying with the Made in USA labeling standard:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/madeusa.htm
Federal Trade Commission Homepage:
http://www.ftc.gov
The FTC publishes free brochures on many consumer issues.
Index of FTC Publications
Regarding Items Made With Wool
Rules and regulations under the
Wool Products Labeling Act.
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This article continued on these pages:
Labeling Laws Regarding
Regulations You Need to Know When
Where to Get Labels
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Label Example Graphics by Sandi Marshall
URL of this page is http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa041500.htm
Disclaimer: This is not intended to be all-inclusive of everything you may need to know when selling your items. This is a starting point for you to do your own research on requirements needed for your own individual situation.
Related About.com Sites:
Crafting as a Business - Arts and Crafts at About.com
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Vote in this Poll:
Widely Known or Little Known - Were you aware of these labeling laws before you read it here? |
