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Labelling of Textiles

If you manufacture, import or sell consumer textile articles, you need to know the basic labelling requirements set out by the Textile Labelling Act and the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations.

Dealer's Responsibility

Retailers, manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer textile articles are responsible for ensuring that the articles are labelled in the manner required by the regulations and that any claims or representations concerning the product's quality, performance, origin, etc. are factual. Dealers are encouraged to develop a "quality control" system that will help them be sure the fibre content and other information on their product labels or in advertisements is correct.

Required Label Information

The box illustrates the minimum information required on the label of a consumer textile article.

65% Cotton/Coton 35% Polyester¹ CA 12345²

¹Fibre Content Show the generic name and the amount (%) of each fibre that makes up five per cent or more of the article. If the article consists of a number of sections differing in fibre content, the label has to identify each of the sections and its fibre content. If the fibre content is not known or cannot be determined, the label may show "unknown fibres", "undetermined fibres", "miscellaneous fibres", or "mixed fibres", provided that the percentage of unknown fibres is specified. Show the fibre content information in both English and French (not required in areas where only one official language is commonly used in commerce).

For more information on how to label articles containing fibres in amounts under 5%, or articles with trimming or ornamentation, see the Guide to the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations.

²Dealer Identity

• Show the name and complete postal address of the responsible dealer (manufacturer, importer or retailer) or
• Show the responsible Canadian dealer's registered identification number ("CA number")

Type and Form of Label

• A "permanent" label is required on many types of consumer textile articles, including coats, pants, bed linens, towels, and draperies. A "permanent" label is one that can remain attached and legible through ten cleanings of the product.
• A non-permanent label (hang tag, sticker, wrapper) may be used for articles such as hosiery, gloves, sleepwear, underwear, piece goods, and table linens.
• For custom-made articles (draperies, furniture, suits, etc.) the fibre content and dealer identity may be shown on the invoice, bill of sale, or other document, provided properly labelled samples or swatches are available for the consumer to examine prior to making the purchase.

Care Labelling

Instructions on how to clean and care for the article help the consumer decide which product to buy. This information is not required by law, however. For further information on the Canadian Care Labelling program, see the Guide to the Canadian Care Labelling Program.

For more detailed information please contact the Information Centre of the Competition Bureau.