Textile Labelling Regulations
Material Composition
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is responsible for enforcing the legislation in respect of textile labelling i.e. European Union (Textile Fibre Names and Related Labelling and Marking of the Fibre Composition of Textile Products) Regulations 2012 [S.I. No. 142 of 2012].
The aim of the Regulations is to protect consumers by laying down rules governing the labelling or marking of products in relation to their textile fibre content and provides uniform methods for quantitative analysis of binary textile fibre mixtures.
Under these Regulations, all textile products must carry a label indicating the fibre content including the fibre names, descriptions and particulars on packaging, labels and markings, and in catalogues, trade and advertising literature. The label does not have to be permanently attached and swing tickets or gummed labels are adequate; and if the products are offered for sale in packaging (i.e. pre-packed) it is sufficient to place the fibre composition on the packaging only.
Textile products can only be sold within the EU if they comply with the Regulations.
Textile Care
Care labelling, i.e. washing, dry cleaning instructions etc., is recommended as a code of practice and, therefore, is not compulsory. This type of labelling has become an industry norm. The recognised and commonly used application is covered by I.S. EN ISO 3758:2012 Textiles – Care Labelling Code Using Symbols.
Ireland has Statutory Regulations covering fibre content and hazard warnings in respect of children’s sleepwear. Any such item being available for sale in the Irish market should conform to the requirements of Industrial Research and Standards (Section 44) (Children’s Nightdresses) (Amendment) Order, 1979 [S.I. No. 215 of 1979], which references the flammability and labelling requirements of children’s sleepwear.
There are also statutory regulations and requirements for furniture, including upholstered furniture i.e. Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1995 [S.I. No. 316 of 1995].
Other Regulations
Notwithstanding the above, the CCPC has no other function or remit in the area of textile products.
There have been no changes to the regulations since 2012.
Return to Guidelines for Business