EU textile labelling (Regulation 1007/2011): fibre names, percentages, languages
Clothing, home textiles and other textile products sold in the EU must carry a label or marking with their fibre composition whenever they are made available on the market. Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 sets which fibre names may be used, how percentages are shown, the language of the label and who must make sure it is there; when the manufacturer is outside the EU, that is the importer's job.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
What the EU textile label must show
Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 applies to textile products and to products treated as textile products, including those containing at least 80% by weight of textile fibres. Only the fibre names listed in Annex I may be used to describe the composition, so brand names or invented terms cannot replace them. A product made of several fibres shows the name and percentage by weight of all its fibres in descending order, and only products composed exclusively of one fibre may be labelled "100%", "pure" or "all".
Products that contain non-textile parts of animal origin, such as leather or fur trims, must carry the phrase "Contains non-textile parts of animal origin". The label or marking must be durable, easily legible, visible and accessible, and present whenever the product is made available on the market. A manufacturing tolerance of 3% is allowed between the composition stated on the label and the results of analysis.
Checklist for an EU fibre composition label
- Fibre names exactly as in Annex I, in the language of the country of sale
- Percentage by weight for every fibre, from highest to lowest
- "100%", "pure" or "all" only for single-fibre products
- "Contains non-textile parts of animal origin" where relevant
- A durable label or marking, easy to read, visible and accessible
- Separate translations for each EU country where the product will be sold
Who is responsible and in which language
The manufacturer ensures that the label or marking is supplied and that the information is accurate. If the manufacturer is not established in the EU, the importer ensures that the label is supplied. A distributor counts as the manufacturer when it places a product on the market under its own name or trade mark, or attaches or changes the label itself.
The fibre composition must be given in the official language or languages of the EU country where the product is made available to consumers, unless that country provides otherwise. A garment sold in several EU countries therefore usually carries the composition in several languages. Exporters shipping to both the EU and the US should note that US rules on fibre content, origin and the dealer's identity are set separately by the FTC.
Step by step
- Get the fibre composition by weight from the fabric supplier and check it against laboratory analysis.
- Translate each fibre into the exact Annex I name in every language of the EU countries of sale.
- List all fibres with their percentages by weight in descending order, using "100%" only for single-fibre products.
- Add "Contains non-textile parts of animal origin" for leather, fur or other animal trims.
- Agree with the EU importer who supplies the label, and attach a durable, legible label before shipping.
Documents you usually need
- Fibre composition test report
- Fabric supplier's composition statement
- Label artwork in each required language
- Purchase order showing the EU countries of sale
- Importer's confirmation of label responsibility
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Use the fibre names from Annex I; a trade name cannot replace them.
What to do: Give the composition in the official language of each country where the product is sold to consumers.
What to do: Use "100%", "pure" or "all" only for products made exclusively of one fibre, and list all fibres with percentages.
What to do: Add "Contains non-textile parts of animal origin" to the label.
Sources
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Trade notes
Common questions
What must a clothing label show in the EU?
The fibre composition, using only the fibre names in Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, with the percentage by weight of all fibres in descending order.
Which language must an EU textile label be in?
The official language or languages of the EU country where the product is made available to consumers, unless that country provides otherwise.
Who is responsible for the textile label if the manufacturer is outside the EU?
The importer ensures that the label or marking is supplied.
When can a product be labelled "100%" or "pure"?
Only when it is composed exclusively of the same fibre.
Is there a tolerance for the fibre percentages?
Yes. A manufacturing tolerance of 3% is allowed between the stated composition and analysis results.
More free tools
Triplicate is free and keeps getting better. Found it useful? Support Triplicate ♥
Prefer no ads? Pro removes all ads · $1/month