FTC Resources for Reporters
Textile, Wool, Fur, Apparel and Leather Matters
Federal law requires that most textile and wool products have a label that lists the fiber content, the country of origin, and the identity of the manufacturer or another business responsible for marketing or handling the product. For fur, labels must disclose the animal name, the country of origin, information about the treatment of the item (for example, if it is bleached or colored), a Registered Identification Number, and other relevant information. The Fur Rules also set standards for the size and durability of the labels, the lettering, and the order in which information is presented. The FTC’s Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products cover a wide range of items, including luggage, handbags, belts, footwear, and other apparel. Under the Care Labeling Rule, manufacturers and importers must provide instructions so consumers know how to clean the products they buy.
News Releases:
- FTC Seeks Public Input in Review of Care Labeling Rule for Clothing 07/07/2011
- FTC Seeks Public Comments on Agency's Fur Rules, Announces Enforcement Policy for Products Previously Covered Under De Minimis Exemption 03/16/2011
- FTC Testifies on Measures to Protect Consumers Who Sell Their Jewelry and Consumers Who Want to Avoid Buying Fur 5/13/2010
- FTC Charges Companies with ‘Bamboo-zling’ Consumers with False Product Claims 08/11/2009
- FTC Warns 78 Retailers, Including Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart, to Stop Labeling and Advertising Rayon Textile Products as "Bamboo" 2/3/2010
- Maker of Rayon Clothes Barred from Deceptive "Bamboo" Claims 10/22/2009
- FTC Approves Federal Register Notice Establishing New Fiber Name and Definition 03/20/2009
- Wal-Mart, Burlington Coat Factory, Bugle Boy, Delia's and others Settle Charges of Violating Textile, Wool Acts In On-Line Catalogs 3/16/1999
Business Education:
- Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts
- Cachet of Cashmere: Complying with the Wool Products Labeling Act
- Calling It Cotton: Labeling and Advertising Cotton Products
- Clothes Captioning: Complying with the Care Labeling Rule
- Down...But Not Out: Advertising and Labeling of Feather Down
- In-FUR-mation Alert: How to Comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act
- Wedding Gown Labels: Unveiling the Requirements
- New Labeling Requirements for Socks Effective
Consumer Education:
Congressional Testimony:
