US clothing labels (FTC): fiber content, country of origin and RN number

What the label must show

The label lists each fiber by its generic name and percentage by weight, in order of predominance; a single-fiber product can say "All", such as "All Wool". Fibers under 5% are usually grouped as "other fiber" or "other fibers", but wool and recycled wool must always be named, and a fiber under 5% may be named if it has a functional purpose. Zippers, buttons, beads and leather patches are not counted, and some trim and decoration can be excluded.

The label also gives the country of origin and the identity of the manufacturer or dealer, by company name or by the RN registered with the FTC. All required information must be in English, legible, in letters of equal size and not abbreviated, except certain country names; other languages may be added.

Country of origin wording

• Imported products: name the country where the product was processed or made, such as "Made in Vietnam"; "Made in" is not required unless needed to avoid confusion.
• "Made in U.S.A." only if the product is made completely in the US of US-made materials.
• Made in the US with imported fabric: "Made in U.S.A. of imported fabric".
• Flat goods such as sheets, towels and scarves: name both, such as "Made in U.S.A. of fabric made in China".
• Processing in two countries: name both, such as "Made in Sri Lanka, finished in U.S.A.".
• Catalogues and websites must say "Made in U.S.A. and Imported", "Made in U.S.A. or Imported" or, only when all units qualify, "Made in U.S.A.".

Placement, tolerance and the RN

On garments with a neck, the country-of-origin label goes on the inside centre of the neck, midway between the shoulder seams or next to another neck label; on other products the label must be conspicuous and accessible, such as inside a waistband. The country of origin goes on the front of the label, while fiber content and company identity can be on the back. Labels must stay attached until the product reaches the consumer.

Fiber percentages have a 3 percentage point tolerance: a label saying 40% cotton covers 37% to 43%. There is no tolerance when the label claims a single fiber. The RN is issued by the FTC only to US businesses that make, import, sell or otherwise handle textile, wool or fur products; it is optional, one per company and not transferable, and appears on the label with the prefix "RN". Manufacturers keep records of the label information, and anyone replacing labels keeps records for three years.