What textile labeling is required in the EU?

EU Regulation 1007/2011 requires all textile products sold in the EU to be labeled with fiber composition. The label must state the exact percentage of each fiber present, using standardized fiber names in the language of the destination country. While care labeling is not legally mandatory in the EU, it is industry standard and expected by consumers. GPSR also requires manufacturer/importer identification on products.

Which products need fiber composition labels?

Fiber composition labeling applies to all products containing at least 80% textile fibers by weight. This includes clothing, bed linen, towels, curtains, furniture covers, carpets, and textile accessories. Certain products are exempt, including disposable textiles intended for single use, watch straps, and textile-covered buttons. Products with less than 80% textile content may be exempt but should still indicate textile components.

How do I list fiber composition correctly?

List all fibers in descending order of weight percentage. Fibers present at 5% or more must be named specifically. Fibers under 5% can be grouped as 'Other fibers'. Use only the standardized fiber names from EU 1007/2011 Annex I (e.g., 'Cotton' not 'Premium Cotton'). Percentages must be accurate to within 3% tolerance for most fibers. For blends, state the percentage of each fiber (e.g., '60% Cotton, 40% Polyester').

What language must labels be in?

Labels must be in at least one official language of the member state where the product is sold. For selling across multiple EU countries, you need either separate labels for each market or multi-language labels. The fiber names must use the exact standardized terms from EU 1007/2011, translated into the required language. Country-specific requirements may also apply—Germany requires German labeling, France requires French, etc.

Are care labels mandatory in the EU?

Care labeling is not legally mandatory under EU law, but it is strongly recommended and considered industry standard. Most retailers require it, and consumers expect care instructions. The international care labeling system (ISO 3758 / GINETEX) uses standardized symbols for washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning. Including care labels reduces returns and customer complaints.

What are the GPSR requirements for textiles?

Under GPSR (effective December 2024), textile products must include manufacturer identification (name, address, email), product identification (batch/serial number), and EU Responsible Person details for non-EU sellers. This information must appear on the product or packaging. Traceability requirements mean you must maintain records linking products to suppliers and customers.

Do I need to test textiles for chemical compliance?

While not a labeling requirement, textiles must comply with REACH restrictions including azo dyes (Entry 43), nickel in prolonged skin contact items (Entry 27), and PAHs in rubber parts (Entry 50). Testing is advisable for products from high-risk supply chains. Certain product categories like children's clothing have stricter chemical limits. Non-compliant textiles can be removed from the EU market.

How should labels be attached to textile products?

Labels must be durably attached, clearly legible, and not misleading. They should remain attached and legible throughout the product's normal life. Common methods include sewn-in labels (most durable), heat-transfer labels, and hang tags (for information available at point of sale only). For small products where permanent labeling is impractical, information can be on packaging or accompanying documents.

What about 'Made in' country of origin labels?

Country of origin labeling is not mandatory under EU law for textiles, but if you include it, it must be accurate and not misleading. Some retailers require it. If stated, 'Made in [Country]' generally means the last substantial transformation occurred there. Avoid vague claims like 'Designed in EU' if manufacturing was elsewhere, as this may be considered misleading.

How do Amazon and marketplaces enforce textile compliance?

Amazon and other EU marketplaces increasingly enforce textile compliance. They may require: fiber composition as a listing attribute, product images showing labels, GPSR compliance with manufacturer and responsible person details, and documentation on request. Listings missing required attributes may be suppressed. Some marketplaces conduct spot checks and testing of products.

EU Regulation

Textiles

18 min read

EU Textile Labeling Guide

Textile products sold in the EU must comply with specific labeling requirements for fiber composition. This comprehensive guide covers EU 1007/2011 requirements, fiber naming conventions, care symbols, GPSR obligations, and chemical compliance— everything you need for selling clothing and home textiles in Europe.

EU Textile Labeling Requirements

EU Regulation 1007/2011 establishes mandatory labeling requirements for textile products sold in the European Union. The primary requirement is fiber composition labeling—a clear declaration of what fibers the product contains and in what proportions. This helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions and enables proper care and disposal of textile products.

The regulation applies to all products containing at least 80% textile fibers by weight, including clothing, home textiles, and textile accessories. Labels must use standardized fiber names as defined in Annex I of the regulation and be in the official language(s) of the country where the product is sold.

While care labeling is not legally mandatory in the EU, it is industry standard and expected by consumers and retailers. Most major retailers require care labels, and including them reduces returns due to improper care. The international care symbol system (ISO 3758/GINETEX) provides standardized symbols for washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning.

Since December 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) adds additional requirements for manufacturer identification, EU Responsible Person details, and product traceability information on textile products sold in the EU market.

Standardized EU Fiber Names

EU 1007/2011 Annex I defines 49 standardized fiber names. You must use these exact names—marketing terms like "Premium Cotton" or "Organic Silk" are not permitted in the composition label (though may appear elsewhere).

CottonCO

Natural cellulose fiber from cotton plant

Breathable, absorbent, soft, hypoallergenic

PolyesterPL

Synthetic polymer fiber

Durable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, affordable

WoolWO

Natural protein fiber from sheep

Warm, moisture-wicking, flame-resistant, elastic

Viscose/RayonVI

Regenerated cellulose fiber

Soft, drapes well, breathable, absorbent

Polyamide/NylonPA

Synthetic polymer fiber

Strong, elastic, abrasion-resistant, quick-drying

Elastane/SpandexEL

Synthetic elastic fiber

Highly elastic, shape retention, lightweight

LinenLI

Natural cellulose fiber from flax

Strong, cool, absorbent, natural luster

SilkSE

Natural protein fiber from silkworm

Luxurious, smooth, temperature-regulating, delicate

AcrylicPC

Synthetic polymer fiber

Wool-like, lightweight, warm, easy care

CashmereWS

Natural fiber from cashmere goat

Extremely soft, lightweight, warm, luxurious

Fiber Composition Labeling Rules

Descending Order

List fibers in order of weight percentage, highest to lowest

60% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 5% Elastane

Percentage Accuracy

Percentages must be accurate within 3% tolerance for most fibers (2% for wool)

Stated 60% Cotton can be 57-63% actual

Minor Fibers

Fibers under 5% can be grouped as 'Other fibers'

85% Polyester, 10% Cotton, 5% Other fibers

Standardized Names

Must use exact fiber names from EU 1007/2011 Annex I

Use 'Cotton' not 'Premium Egyptian Cotton'

Multi-Component Products

Products with multiple parts must label each part separately

Shell: 100% Polyester, Lining: 100% Cotton

Language Requirements

Labels must be in official language(s) of destination country

German labels for Germany, French for France

Requirements by Product Category

Clothing

TopsBottomsDressesOuterwearUnderwearSwimwear

Requirements:

Fiber compositionCare label (recommended)SizeGPSR info

Bed Linen

SheetsPillowcasesDuvet coversMattress covers

Requirements:

Fiber compositionCare label (recommended)Size dimensionsGPSR info

Towels & Bath

Bath towelsHand towelsWashclothsBath mats

Requirements:

Fiber compositionCare label (recommended)Size/weightGPSR info

Home Textiles

CurtainsCushion coversTable linenBlankets

Requirements:

Fiber compositionCare label (recommended)DimensionsGPSR info

Carpets & Rugs

Area rugsRunnersBath matsDoor mats

Requirements:

Fiber composition (pile)Care instructionsSizeGPSR info

Accessories

ScarvesHatsGlovesBagsBelts

Requirements:

Fiber composition (textile parts)Care (recommended)GPSR info

Care Label Symbols

While not legally mandatory in the EU, care labels are industry standard. The international care symbol system (ISO 3758 / GINETEX) provides standardized symbols that transcend language barriers. Five categories cover all care aspects.

Washing

🜄 30°Machine wash at 30°C max

🜄 40°Machine wash at 40°C max

🜄 60°Machine wash at 60°C max

HandHand wash only

XDo not wash

Bleaching

△Any bleach allowed

△/Non-chlorine bleach only

△XDo not bleach

Drying

□●Tumble dry low heat

□●●Tumble dry medium heat

□XDo not tumble dry

LineLine dry

FlatDry flat

Ironing

⌂●Iron low temp (110°C)

⌂●●Iron medium temp (150°C)

⌂●●●Iron high temp (200°C)

⌂XDo not iron

Professional Cleaning

○PDry clean - any solvent except TCE

○FDry clean - petroleum solvent only

○WProfessional wet clean

○XDo not dry clean

GPSR Requirements for Textiles

Since December 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) requires additional information on textile products. Non-EU sellers must appoint an EU Responsible Person.

Manufacturer Name

Product label or packaging

Full legal name of the manufacturer

Manufacturer Address

Product label or packaging

Postal address where manufacturer can be contacted

Manufacturer Contact

Product label or packaging

Email address or website URL

EU Responsible Person

Product label or packaging

Name and contact of EU-based person (for non-EU manufacturers)

Product Identification

Product and packaging

Model, batch, serial number, or other identifier

Warnings

Product, packaging, or instructions

Any safety warnings in destination country language

Chemical Restrictions for Textiles

While not a labeling requirement, textiles must comply with REACH chemical restrictions. Non-compliant products can be removed from the market. Testing is advisable for products from high-risk supply chains.

Azo Dyes

30 mg/kg for each amine

Banned if releasing restricted aromatic amines

Regulation: REACH Entry 43Test for: All dyed textiles

Formaldehyde

Varies (75-300 mg/kg depending on country/retailer)

Limited in direct skin contact textiles

Regulation: National laws, retailer standardsTest for: Treated fabrics, wrinkle-free items

Nickel

0.5 μg/cm²/week

Release rate limited for prolonged skin contact

Regulation: REACH Entry 27Test for: Metal buttons, zippers, rivets

Chromium VI

3 mg/kg

Banned in leather articles with skin contact

Regulation: REACH Entry 47Test for: Leather parts, labels, patches

PAHs

1 mg/kg individual PAH

Limited in rubber/plastic components

Regulation: REACH Entry 50Test for: Rubber prints, plastic trims

Phthalates (children's)

0.1% combined

Banned/restricted in plasticized parts for children

Regulation: REACH Entry 51/52Test for: PVC prints on children's clothing

6-Step Textile Compliance Process

Determine Product Scope

Verify your product is a textile (≥80% textile fibers) requiring labeling under EU 1007/2011.

Check if product is textile by composition
Identify if any exemptions apply
Note all textile components if multi-material
Consider all destination markets

Test Fiber Composition

Have fiber composition analyzed to ensure accurate labeling. Testing is especially important for blends.

Use accredited testing laboratory
Test representative samples
Verify supplier composition claims
Document test results

Create Compliant Labels

Design labels with correct fiber composition format and required languages.

List fibers in descending percentage order
Use standardized EU fiber names
Include all destination country languages
Add care symbols (recommended)

Add GPSR Information

Include manufacturer, EU Responsible Person, and product identification per GPSR.

Add manufacturer name and address
Include EU Responsible Person (if non-EU)
Add product identifier (batch/serial)
Include contact email or website

Verify Chemical Compliance

Ensure textiles meet REACH restrictions and don't contain banned substances.

Request supplier compliance declarations
Test high-risk products (dyes, prints, metals)
Document chemical compliance evidence
Check country-specific requirements

Maintain Documentation

Keep records for market surveillance and retailer compliance requests.

Retain test reports for 10 years
Keep supplier declarations on file
Document label specifications
Maintain traceability records

Example Compliant Label

FIBER COMPOSITION

60% Cotton / Baumwolle / Coton

35% Polyester

5% Elastane / Elasthan / Élasthanne

🜄40△X□•⌂••○X

Made by: Example Brand GmbH

Musterstraße 1, 10115 Berlin, Germany

contact@example-brand.com

Style: AB1234 | Batch: 2025-001

This example shows fiber composition in three languages, care symbols, and GPSR-compliant manufacturer information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

GPSR Compliance Guide

Full details on GPSR requirements now applying to textile products.

REACH Compliance Guide

Chemical restrictions applying to textiles under REACH regulation.

Selling clothing or textiles in the EU?

Use SellSafe to analyze your textile products and get a clear checklist of labeling, GPSR, and chemical compliance requirements for the EU market.

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