Selling apparel into the EU means getting the label right — but the rules are often misunderstood. This guide separates what is legally required from what is conventional, so you can brief your label supplier correctly. It is awareness information, not legal advice; always confirm the specifics for your product and target markets.
- The legal core: fibre composition (standard fibre names + percentages) is required — Regulation (EU) 1007/2011.
- Care/wash symbols are not legally mandated in the EU; retailers and consumers expect them, following EN ISO 3758 (GINETEX).
- Fibre composition must appear in the official language of the country of sale → multilingual text → printed fabric labels are practical.
- The brand/importer is responsible for accuracy; the producer reproduces approved content. (Awareness info, not legal advice.)
What goes on a care and composition label?
A garment's care label usually does two jobs at once: it carries the legally required fabric composition label information and the care instructions shoppers look for. The table below separates what is mandatory for the EU market from what is simply expected; the sections that follow go into detail.
| Information | EU status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre composition | Mandatory — Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 | Standard fibre names and percentages by weight, in descending order; components with a different fibre content (e.g. a main lining) are listed separately |
| "Contains non-textile parts of animal origin" | Mandatory where the product has such parts, e.g. leather or fur | Shown in a way consumers can easily understand and that is not misleading |
| Manufacturer's and (for imports) importer's name and contact address | Mandatory — General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 | On the product, or on its packaging or an accompanying document where that is not possible; the care label or swing tag can carry it |
| Type, batch or serial number | Mandatory — Regulation (EU) 2023/988 | An element that identifies the product and is easily visible and legible for consumers |
| Care instructions (care symbols) | Not required by EU law | Expected by retailers and consumers |
| Country of origin ("Made in …") | Not required by Regulation 1007/2011 | If used, it must be accurate and not misleading |
| Size | Not regulated by Regulation 1007/2011 | Expected in practice; can sit on the care label or on a separate size label |
A few layout rules also apply. A trade mark may appear immediately before or after the fibre composition, but other information has to be displayed separately. When a product is sold online, its composition must be visible to the consumer before purchase. If you also sell in the US, note that the rules differ: the FTC's Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to most textile apparel, while fibre content and country of origin fall under separate FTC rules. To choose a format that fits your content, see our care labels for apparel page and our woven vs printed labels comparison.
Fibre composition is the legal core
Under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, textile products sold in the EU must state their fibre composition using standard fibre names and percentages — for example "100% Cotton" or "80% Cotton, 20% Polyester". Non-textile parts of animal origin (such as leather or fur) must also be indicated. This information has to be durable, legible and easy to find.
Care symbols: expected, but not mandated
Here is the part many brands get wrong: EU law (1007/2011) does not make wash-care symbols legally mandatory. In practice, retailers and consumers expect them, and they follow the EN ISO 3758 standard — the five symbols (washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, professional care) owned by GINETEX. So most brands include care symbols by choice or by retailer contract, even though they are not a legal must.
Language rules
Fibre composition must appear in the official language(s) of the member state where the product is sold. A garment distributed across several EU countries therefore usually carries multilingual text — one practical reason printed fabric labels are popular, since they fit dense, multilingual content in a small space.
Where responsibility sits
The brand or importer is responsible for the accuracy and legality of what the label says. A label manufacturer's role is to reproduce your approved content accurately, legibly and durably. Reel Ofset produces care labels to the content you provide, on OEKO-TEX certified materials — we are your production partner, not a legal advisor.
Getting a compliant label made
- Confirm your content: fibre composition, any care symbols, and the languages your markets require.
- Choose material and method — printed fabric labels usually suit dense, multilingual care information best.
- Sample and wash-test on your own fabric.
- Approve and move to bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are care symbols mandatory in the EU?
No; Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 does not mandate them. In practice retailers and consumers expect them, following the EN ISO 3758 standard.
What information is legally required on the label?
Fibre composition (standard fibre names and percentages); non-textile parts of animal origin such as leather or fur must also be indicated.
In how many languages must the label appear?
Fibre composition must appear in the official language(s) of the member state where the product is sold; distribution across several countries requires multilingual text.
Is a fabric composition label a legal requirement?
Yes. In the EU, textile products must be labelled or marked with their fibre composition whenever they are made available on the market, using the standard fibre names set out in Regulation (EU) 1007/2011; the regulation lists a limited number of exceptions.
Does a care label need the manufacturer's name and address?
EU product safety rules (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) require the manufacturer's name and contact address, and the importer's for imported products, on the product, or on its packaging or an accompanying document where that is not possible. The care label or swing tag can carry it, but it does not have to be there.