Post by Misty Henry (Admin) on Nov 10, 2017 18:25:25 GMT -6
So now we need a way to track our products after they've left for recall purposes; we need a way to remember exactly what went into each product that we've sent off; we need a way for customers to remember where they got their product if an issue arises; we need a way for customers to remember where they got their product to share with others. How the heck do we do this?
The FTC has jurisdiction over basic trade laws mostly in regards to deceptive advertising, marketing, and selling in general. They have a fantastic webpage called Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts that goes through various products. They've formatted the page to easily pick out the types of products and what labeling they may or may not need. The first box contains products that require the information to be securely attached (we'll come back to this). The second box are items that are not covered by the Textile Act. The third box contains items that are only covered if you make a mention of fiber content anywhere in your business. The fourth box is another list of items not covered by the Textile Act.
The FTC requires a non-permanent, secure tag attached to the product. "Secure" means that it lasts until the final consumer receives the product (think like a price tag that you clip off before use).
The FTC requires the following information to be available:
For most of us, this will simply be our chosen business name.
The Identification may be replaced by a Registered Number obtained from the FTC. This is most often used for private labeling of others' goods.
Use the information provided to you from the fabrics you've purchased. If on a bolt, the bolt-end will have this information. When using multiple materials, use sectional disclosure (bodice, sleeve, skirt, front, back, toe, etc.).
There is a 3% leeway permitted for fiber content exempt for items that contain wool. Wool must be listed in exact percentages.
One area that trips many up is the potential use of Lycra® spandex. "Lycra®" is a brand of spandex so be certain that your material is, in fact, made with the branded spandex. If it is, list it as 'Lycra® spandex'. If it is not or you are unsure, simply leave it as 'spandex'. Elastane is another word for spandex used mostly in European countries.
The FTC requires country of origin to be fully accurate with including the origin of where the fabric was made. So if you use materials made outside of the USA, you need to add that clarification "Made in USA of Imported Material" or "Made in USA of Material from Indonesia". Customs may require this information to be permanently attached so that it lasts the useful life of the product. Things like wipes, towels, napkins, sheets, pillow cases, and other flat goods do require this information to be permanent.
Labeling.
Now, depending on the product you make, you may be required to have more information than other products. Labeling is dictated by numerous agencies, both federal and state. Let's start with the basics.
Now, depending on the product you make, you may be required to have more information than other products. Labeling is dictated by numerous agencies, both federal and state. Let's start with the basics.
The FTC has jurisdiction over basic trade laws mostly in regards to deceptive advertising, marketing, and selling in general. They have a fantastic webpage called Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts that goes through various products. They've formatted the page to easily pick out the types of products and what labeling they may or may not need. The first box contains products that require the information to be securely attached (we'll come back to this). The second box are items that are not covered by the Textile Act. The third box contains items that are only covered if you make a mention of fiber content anywhere in your business. The fourth box is another list of items not covered by the Textile Act.
The FTC requires a non-permanent, secure tag attached to the product. "Secure" means that it lasts until the final consumer receives the product (think like a price tag that you clip off before use).
The FTC requires the following information to be available:
Identification of Manufacturer, Importer or Other Dealer
For most of us, this will simply be our chosen business name.
The Identification may be replaced by a Registered Number obtained from the FTC. This is most often used for private labeling of others' goods.
Fiber Content
Use the information provided to you from the fabrics you've purchased. If on a bolt, the bolt-end will have this information. When using multiple materials, use sectional disclosure (bodice, sleeve, skirt, front, back, toe, etc.).
There is a 3% leeway permitted for fiber content exempt for items that contain wool. Wool must be listed in exact percentages.
One area that trips many up is the potential use of Lycra® spandex. "Lycra®" is a brand of spandex so be certain that your material is, in fact, made with the branded spandex. If it is, list it as 'Lycra® spandex'. If it is not or you are unsure, simply leave it as 'spandex'. Elastane is another word for spandex used mostly in European countries.
Country of Origin
The FTC requires country of origin to be fully accurate with including the origin of where the fabric was made. So if you use materials made outside of the USA, you need to add that clarification "Made in USA of Imported Material" or "Made in USA of Material from Indonesia". Customs may require this information to be permanently attached so that it lasts the useful life of the product. Things like wipes, towels, napkins, sheets, pillow cases, and other flat goods do require this information to be permanent.