Textiles and leather

UK Legislation

Main points

The Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations 2012

• It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer into the UK to ensure that the product has the correct labelling.
• The label must be in English.
• Items imported into the UK and offered for sale before 1^st January 2021 may be labelled in the language of the EU manufacturer; they may continue to be offered for sale until 31^st January 2022.
• A label must be attached to the product with the full fibre composition of the product and/or the packaging.
• Only certain names can be used for textile fibres; these are listed in the Regulations, along with a list of products that are not required to bear fibre content.

The Footwear (Indication of Composition) Labelling Regulations 1995

• It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer into the UK to ensure that the product has the correct labelling.
• The label must be in English or in a clear pictogram form.
• Items imported into the UK and offered for sale before 1^st January 2021 may be labelled in the language of the EU manufacturer; they may continue to be offered for sale until 31^st January 2022.
• A label with information about the main material from which the upper, lining, sock and outer sole are made in the form.
• The label must be attached to at least one item of footwear in each pair and may be affixed by way of printing, sticking, embossing or use of an attached label; it must be visible, securely attached and accessible.
• The label may also appear on the packaging.

Children's clothing

(General Product Safety Regulations 2005)

• The EU jurisdiction has been completely carried over by GB, retaining the European legislation. In children's clothing the standard EN 14682:2014 related to Cords and drawstrings is applicable.
• This Standard specifies requirements for cords and drawstrings on children's clothing, including disguise costumes and ski apparel, up to the age of 14 years.
• It is recommended that an individual risk assessment be carried out on any garment in order to ensure that it does not present a hazard to the wearer.

Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985

• Nightwear must meet the British Standard BS 5722: Specification for flammability performance of fabrics and fabric assemblies used in sleepwear and dressing gowns.
• For garments such as children's pyjamas and cotton terry bathrobes and baby clothes must meet BS EN 14878- flammability requirements.
• Labelling: A label with information about whether nightwear meets the flammability requirements.
• Positioning of labels: A durable label on the inside neck of the garment or next to the label giving the size of the garment, or the wording must be given on the size label immediately following such information.
• Treated nightwear with flame-retardant chemicals must have a label that states: 'DO NOT WASH AT MORE THAN 50°C. CHECK SUITABILITY OF WASHING AGENT'.
• Second-hand nightwear does not have to comply with these Regulations.

Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988

• Upholstered furniture is subject to strict safety standards.
• Regulation cover the flammability of upholstered furniture (which includes beds, sofa beds, cots, cushions and mattresses), and both new and used furniture. The basic requirements are:
  • Filling materials: Specified ignition requirements
  • Upholstery composites: Cigarette resistant
  • Covers: Match resistant (or may in some cases use a match-resistant inter-liner)
• The seller is responsible for ensuring upholstered furniture is labelled correctly when it is sold. Labelling:
  • A permanent label (except mattresses and bed-bases) with the words 'CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE'.
  • A display label at the point of sale (except mattresses, bed-bases, pillows, scatter cushions, seat pads, loose covers sold separately and stretch covers).