Compliance is not the most exciting part of importing, but a missing label or certificate can hold a shipment at customs or force a recall. This guide covers the rules most relevant to general apparel sold in the US. It is an overview, not legal advice, so confirm details with your customs broker or a compliance specialist for your specific product.
Fiber Content Labeling
Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the FTC's rule at 16 CFR Part 303, most textile apparel sold in the US must carry a label stating the fiber content by percentage. The label lists each fiber in order of predominance, for example "60% Cotton / 40% Polyester." The percentages must match the actual product, so the fabric specification you approve is also the basis for the label.
Care Labeling
The FTC Care Labeling Rule at 16 CFR Part 423 requires regular apparel to carry a care label with instructions for washing, drying, ironing and any needed warnings, such as "Do not bleach." Care instructions should be tested to be accurate, not copied from another product.
Flammability Standards
General apparel sold in the US must meet the flammability standard for clothing textiles under 16 CFR Part 1610. Fabrics are classified by burn behavior, and the standard applies to most garments worn next to the skin or as outerwear. Your manufacturer should be able to confirm the fabric's compliance or provide test documentation.
Certificates: GCC and CPC
For adult apparel, manufacturers and importers issue a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) stating that the product meets applicable CPSC requirements. For children's apparel, a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) is required, and the product must meet the tighter rules that apply to children's products, including lead content limits. Since July 2026, CPSC eFiling is also required for regulated children's products, so the eFiling number should be part of your import documentation. Know which category your product falls into before you order, because the compliance path differs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for compliance, the buyer or the factory?
Both, in different ways. The importer of record is ultimately responsible in the US, so you should specify the requirements and ask the factory for supporting documentation. A good factory will provide fiber, care and compliance documents, but the final responsibility sits with the importer.
Does every garment need both a fiber label and a care label?
Most apparel does. There are limited exceptions, for example some single-use items, but assume both labels are required for shirts, jackets and similar garments.
Where should the labels be placed?
Fiber and care labels are usually combined in a single neck label or side seam label. Placement requirements vary by product, so follow the specific rules for your garment type.
Can you help with label content for our brand?
Yes. As part of OEM and ODM service, Zuohan can produce custom labels with your branding and the required content, based on the information you provide.
What happens if my shipment is missing labels?
US Customs and Border Protection can hold or refuse entry for mislabeled or non-compliant textiles. This is one compliance area where prevention is far cheaper than correction.
Planning a US-bound order? Tell us the product and market, and we will confirm what labeling and documentation we can provide with the bulk order.
