EU releases new textile labeling and marking regulations

The EU's "Official Gazette" published Regulation No. 1007/2011 on the labeling and marking of textile fibre names and textiles. The Regulations establishes labelling and marking provisions for all textiles in the EU market and introduces new clauses that require that if textiles contain non-textile parts derived from animals, they must be stated in special words in the label.

The new regulations apply to all textiles, including raw materials, semi-processed products or finished products containing only textile fibres, thus covering a wide range of clothing types.

In addition, the regulations also apply to products where the weight percentage of textile fibres is at least 80%; furniture, umbrellas and parasols whose textile part accounts for at least 80% of the overall weight; multilayer carpet tops, mattress coverings, and camping goods coverings. Textiles, which account for at least 80% of the upper layer or covering by weight; textiles included in other products that form an integral part of the product are also regulated by regulations.

The regulations stipulate that when labels and labels describe the composition of textile fibres, the relevant names in Annex 1 must be used.

Only textiles that all use the same fiber can have the words "100%", "pure" and "all" or the same meaning in the label or tag. However, if the product is difficult to avoid containing no more than 2% of the foreign fiber due to technical problems, or if the product has been combed, and if it is difficult to avoid foreign fibers containing less than 5% by technical problems, it can also be exempt from the above regulations. example. In addition, the Regulations also establish regulatory provisions for fleece or raw wool products.

Textiles containing a variety of fibres must have the names of the various fibres used listed on the label or label in descending order of weight. Individual fibers that account for less than 5% of the total weight of the textile, or a variety of fibers that together account for less than 15% of the total textile weight, can be classified as "other fibers."

There is a new clause in the Regulation which is closely related to Hong Kong businessmen and involves the inclusion of textiles originating from non-textile parts of animals. If the textiles in the EU market contain non-textile parts derived from animals, they must be marked on the label or mark as "containing non-textile parts derived from animals". The provisions stipulate that the label or mark cannot be misleading and must be easily understood by the consumer.

All textile labels or tags must be durable, easy to read, easy to see and accessible. Labels must be securely attached to the product. Vendors supplying products to EU economic operators should be aware that other commercial documents can be provided as supplemental information for labels or tags, or even as a substitute for labels or tags. The commercial document must clearly state the name of the textile fibre and describe the fibre composition.

Regulation No. 1007/2011 will be implemented in the EU on May 8, 2012, but textiles that meet the requirements of Directive 2008/121/EC on textiles and have been placed on the EU market before May 8, 2012 will be exempt . These textiles can continue to be sold in the market before September 9, 2014.

The textile name regulations of Directive 2008/121/EC require textiles to be labelled with fiber components. This directive, together with Directive 73/44/EC and Directive 96/73/EC, will expire on May 8, 2012.