Care and Content Labelling Rules for Workwear (US FTC / EU 1007/2011)
The short answer
In the EU, Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 requires the fibre composition of textile products to be stated on a durable label, with the fibre names and percentages listed in descending order. In the United States, the FTC requires fibre content, country of origin and care instructions under the Textile and Wool labelling rules. Certified protective workwear adds a third layer: the standard number, performance class and manufacturer. A compliant workwear label therefore carries composition, care, origin, size and the PPE marking.
Labelling is one of the cheapest compliance items and one of the most frequent causes of retail rejection and customs delays.
Last updated: September 2026.
Key takeaways
- Fibre composition and care instructions are mandatory in both the EU and the US.
- Fur and textile fibre names are regulated, so "technical fabric" is not a legal description.
- PPE adds the standard, class and manufacturer to the label.
- Language requirements are market-specific and a frequent cause of non-compliance.
- Labels must survive the life of the garment, including industrial laundering if applicable.
1. Standard vs use case vs purchasing notes
| Market or requirement | What it demands | Typical workwear | What to check when buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU 1007/2011 | Fibre composition, in the official language of the market | All textile garments | Fibre names, percentages, descending order, durable label |
| US FTC textile rules | Fibre content, country of origin, care instructions | All textile garments | Correct order of information and permanent attachment |
| Certified PPE | Standard, performance class, manufacturer, care | Hi-vis, FR, anti-static garments | Marking printed, not stickered over |
| Industrial laundry | Care instructions matching the industrial process | Rental garments | Label durability through 50 cycles |
| Retail or private label | Size, colour, SKU, barcode, brand | Any retail programme | Consistency with the packaging and the carton |
2. What belongs on a workwear label
| Item | EU | US | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre composition with percentages | Required | Required | Descending order by weight |
| Care instructions | Expected and required by market practice | Required | Symbols or text, per market preference |
| Country of origin | Required for imports | Required | Must match the customs declaration |
| Standard and class for PPE | Required for certified garments | Required where the standard applies | Print on the garment, not on a removable tag |
| Manufacturer or importer identity | Required | Required | The responsible economic operator |
| Size and colour | Not regulated but expected | Not regulated but expected | Must match the SKU and carton |
3. What to specify on a purchase order
| Item | Specification to write | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Label content | The full text, approved by you before production | Prevents last-minute artwork changes |
| Languages | The market languages required | Non-compliant labels block retail entry |
| Attachment | Woven or printed, sewn in a stated position | Removable labels are non-compliant |
| Durability | Survives the garment's care process | Especially important for rental programmes |
| PPE marking | Standard, class and manufacturer | Required for inspection and site compliance |
| Artwork approval | Signed proof before printing | The most common source of rework |
4. Frequently asked questions
What must a clothing label include in the EU?
The fibre composition with percentages in descending order, using the regulated fibre names, in the official language or languages of the market. Care instructions and origin are also expected in practice and required for many retail channels.
What does the FTC require on a garment label?
Fibre content, country of origin and care instructions, attached permanently to the garment. The information must be accurate and legible.
Does certified workwear need additional labelling?
Yes. The standard number, performance class and manufacturer must appear on the garment, and for PPE that marking is a compliance requirement rather than a marketing choice.
Can care instructions be printed as symbols only?
Symbols are widely accepted, but some markets expect text or a combination. Confirm the requirement for your destination and keep the symbols consistent with the actual care process.
What happens if the label is wrong?
Retail partners can reject the shipment, customs can delay it, and in PPE cases market surveillance can require withdrawal. Re-labelling at destination costs far more than printing correctly at the factory.
How do labels relate to industrial laundry?
The care label must describe the industrial process the garment is designed for. If it does not, the laundry may process it incorrectly and the guarantee position becomes difficult.
Get label artwork approved before production
Send us the label content and the destination markets, and we will confirm the language, layout and PPE marking in your quotation, then send a printed proof for approval before production starts.
