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EU regulation

EU textile labelling requirements

What must appear on the label of clothing sold in the European Union.

Fibre composition (mandatory)

  • Required by EU Textile Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011.
  • Use the official fibre names (for example "cotton", "polyester", "elastane") with percentages by weight.
  • The label must be in the official language(s) of each country where the product is sold.
  • Non-textile parts of animal origin (such as leather or fur trims) must be declared.

Product safety and traceability

  • Under the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, products must carry a type, batch or serial number and the name, postal and electronic address of the manufacturer or EU importer.

Care and size labels

Care symbols and size labels are not harmonised by EU law but are strongly expected by retailers and customers. Care symbols follow the GINETEX / ISO 3758 system; some countries have their own rules.

Country of origin

"Made in" labels are generally voluntary in the EU, but any origin claim must be accurate and not misleading.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and can differ by country — check the official sources or a qualified advisor before relying on it.