Textile Labelling Rules for Block Print Bedding, Cushions and Cotton Bags

Oct 10

6 min read

Hand block printed bedsheets, cushion covers and cotton bags are simple products, but their labels are not. Each market sets its own rules for fibre content, country of origin, company identity and care instructions.

This guide covers the US, the EU, the UK and Australia, compares them in one table, and lists what to send your supplier for private-label or custom labels.

United States: FTC textile rules and CBP origin marking

1. Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (FTC)

The Federal Trade Commission's business guide to the Textile and Wool Acts lists bedding (sheets, covers, pillowcases), curtains, tablecloths and cushions as covered products. Most covered items need a label showing:

Fibre content by generic name and percentage by weight, in descending order (for example, "100% Cotton"). Fibres under 5% can usually be grouped as "other fiber".
Country of origin. Imported products must name the country where they were processed or manufactured, in English.
Dealer identity, either the company name or a Registered Identification Number (RN). An RN is issued to US firms and is optional.

The detailed rules are in 16 CFR Part 303. They require all disclosures in English and the country of origin on the front side of the label.

Bags are treated differently. The FTC guide lists textiles used in handbags and tote bags as not covered by the Textile Act labelling requirements.

2. CBP country of origin marking (19 CFR Part 134)

Under 19 CFR Part 134, every article of foreign origin, or its container, must be marked in a conspicuous place so the ultimate purchaser in the US knows the country of origin. The marking must be legible, indelible and permanent. Under CBP's marking guidance, unmarked goods can face additional duties unless marked, exported or destroyed under supervision. So cotton bags still need "Made in India", even without an FTC fibre label.

3. Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 423)

The Care Labeling Rule covers textile wearing apparel and piece goods sold for home sewing of apparel. Bedsheets, cushion covers and bags are not garments, so the rule does not apply to them. For garments, the FTC's Clothes Captioning guide requires permanent labels and a reasonable basis for the instructions.

For the wider US import process, see our guide to importing handicrafts from India to the USA.

European Union: Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011

The EU's Textile Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 is about fibre composition. Key points:

Textile products, and products with at least 80% textile fibres by weight, must carry a fibre composition label when made available on the market.
The label must be durable, easily legible, visible and accessible.
Fibres are listed by name and percentage by weight, in descending order.
Products with components of different fibre content, such as a cushion cover with a contrasting back, generally need a composition statement for each component.
The label must be in the official language or languages of the Member State where the product is sold.
If the manufacturer is outside the EU, the importer is responsible for the label. A distributor selling under its own brand is treated as the manufacturer.

The regulation does not require a country of origin or care label. Annex V lists products that need no fibre label, such as pin cushions and "travel goods of textile materials". Check with your regulator whether a particular bag style falls under an exemption before you rely on one.

The European Commission is reviewing Regulation 1007/2011, with a revision planned for 2026. Until a new law is adopted, the current regulation applies.

United Kingdom: assimilated textile labelling law

Great Britain kept the EU rules after Brexit. Business Companion, the government-backed Trading Standards guidance site, explains that assimilated Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 and the Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations 2012 apply. In practice:

Fibre content must be shown on the item, or on the packaging for multipacks.
The label must be in English and be durable, easily legible, visible and accessible.
Online listings must show fibre content where a product can be ordered from the description alone.

GOV.UK confirms the fibre content rule for England, Scotland and Wales. For UK duty and trade-deal details, read our UK import guide.

Australia: mandatory care labelling

The ACCC's care labelling mandatory standard is set by the Consumer Goods (Care Labelling) Information Standard 2023. It covers clothing, household textiles, furnishings, upholstered furniture and bedding, among other products. Key points:

Covered products must have adequate care instructions attached.
Instructions can be in English, or use the internationally recognised care symbols, or both.
All bags and cases, including handbags and travel bags, are exempt.

The Australian Consumer Law does not require origin labels on non-food products, though other laws may apply and any origin claim must be accurate.

Comparison table

Requirement	United States	European Union	United Kingdom	Australia
Fibre content label	Yes, for bedding and cushions	Yes	Yes	Not under care standard
Language	English	Language of sale country	English	English or symbols
Country of origin	Yes (FTC and CBP)	Not required	Not required by textile rules	Not required for non-food
Company identity	Name or RN	Not required by 1007/2011	Not required by textile rules	Not required
Care label	Apparel only	Not required	Not required	Yes, incl. bedding
Bags	Origin mark only	Check exemptions	Check exemptions	Exempt from care label

What to send your supplier for private-label or custom labels

Give your supplier a written label specification, not just a logo file. Include:

Destination markets, so the right rules and languages are covered.
Exact label wording, including fibre content as you want it shown (for example, "100% Cotton"), any second language, and your brand name or RN.
Country of origin wording, such as "Made in India", and where it must sit on the label.
Care instructions, as text, symbols or both, plus who has tested or approved them.
Label type and placement: sewn-in, printed or swing tag, size, and position on each item.
Component breakdown for multi-part items, such as cushion cover fabric versus filling, or bag body versus lining.
Artwork files and approval steps, so you sign off a label proof before bulk production starts.

Back up fibre content with a mill certificate or lab test, as the importer carries the legal risk.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules for your products with your customs broker or the regulator in your market.

FAQ

Do cotton tote bags need a fibre content label in the US?

The FTC guide lists textiles used in handbags and tote bags as not covered by the Textile Act labelling rules. The bag still needs a country of origin marking under CBP rules.

Is a care label required on bedsheets sold in the US?

No. The FTC Care Labeling Rule covers apparel and certain piece goods, not bedding. Your own retail customers may still ask for one, and Australia requires care labelling on bedding.

Does the EU require "Made in India" on textiles?

Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 does not require country of origin labelling. You can still add one, but it must be accurate, and the same label then works for US shipments.

Can one label work for every market?

Often. A sewn-in label with fibre content, "Made in India", care text and the importer's name covers most of these rules, plus local languages for EU sales.

Working with Kraft Bharat

Kraft Bharat supplies Sanganeri hand block print bedding, cushions and table linen, plus quilted and block print cotton bags, with custom and private labels. Send your label specification with your enquiry and we'll have a proof approved before bulk production. Orders usually start around 500 pieces, with paid samples and a production lead time of about 30 to 45 days, and we prepare full export documentation. See our Sanganeri block print buyer guide to explore the range.