The Humble Clothing Label comes of age in India as well

Summary

Garment labelling has become a critical compliance and brand risk across the EU, USA, UAE, and now India. From fibre accuracy to care instructions and language rules, mistakes cause delays and penalties. Working with an export-experienced manufacturer ensures garment labelling meets global regulations, protects brand credibility, and enables smooth international growth.

Introduction:

Did you know that nearly one out of four apparel shipments is delayed globally due to incorrect or incomplete labelling?

For over 25 years, as a leading garment manufacturer & exporter in India, we have been making clothing labels to meet the strict rules of Europe, the UK and other global markets, where every fibre content, care symbol and country‑of‑origin line is legally defined.

As India tightens its own labelling requirements, the same “export‑grade” discipline that international brands demanded for decades is finally becoming mandatory at home too.

This blog shares how labelling rules have evolved worldwide, what is now changing in India, and how working with an experienced export manufacturer can keep your brand on the right side of compliance from day one.

Why Garment Labelling Has Become a Global Risk Factor

According to global trade compliance reports, textiles and apparel rank among the top five product categories for customs rejections worldwide. Labelling errors account for a significant share of these rejections.

Key reasons include:

• Incorrect fibre composition claims

• Misleading sustainability language

• Missing country of origin details

• Language non-compliance

• Care instructions that do not match the fabric performance

In 2024 alone, US customs issued thousands of notices for incorrect textile origin declarations, while EU authorities increased scrutiny on fibre naming and greenwashing claims. The UAE, known for strict port inspections, regularly holds shipments due to missing Arabic labels.

The result is clear. Garment labelling is now a legal, commercial, and reputational issue.

Clothing Labelling Rules in the European Union

Why the EU Is One of the Strictest Apparel Markets

The European Union represents over 450 million consumers and is one of the largest apparel import markets globally. To protect consumers, the EU enforces Regulation No. 1007/2011, which standardises textile labelling across all member states.

What Is Mandatory on EU Garment Labels

Every textile product sold in the EU must clearly display:

• Fibre composition using official EU-approved fibre names

• Fibre percentages listed in descending order

• Labels that are durable, visible, and accessible at the point of sale

• Information written in the official language of the country where the product is sold

Example:

✅ 60% Cotton I 40% Polyester

✘ Cotton Rich 

Using commercial or marketing terms instead of legal fibre names is one of the most common EU violations.

Important EU Facts Exporters Often Miss

• The EU does not legally require care labels, but over 90 per cent of retailers expect them

• Country of origin is mandatory only for certain categories, but many buyers still demand it

• Sustainability claims are under intense scrutiny due to rising greenwashing cases

In fact, EU regulators have publicly stated that a majority of sustainability claims in fashion lack adequate proof. This makes accurate fibre disclosure more important than ever.

Clothing Labelling Rules in the United States

Why the US Takes Labelling Seriously

The US apparel market is valued at over 300 billion dollars, and imported garments dominate retail shelves. The Federal Trade Commission strictly enforces textile labelling laws to protect consumers and ensure fair trade.

Mandatory Label Information for the US Market

Every garment sold in the United States must include:

• Fibre content using FTC-approved fibre names

• Manufacturer or importer identification using a Registered Identification Number or full name

• Country of origin is clearly stated, such as Made in India

• Labels that are permanent and legible

Care Labels Are Not Optional in the USA

Unlike the EU, care instructions are legally mandatory in the United States. Labels must include accurate guidance for washing, drying, ironing, and bleaching.

Brands are legally responsible if garments fail when consumers follow the care label instructions. This is a major risk area for exporters using blended or treated fabrics.

US Compliance Reality Check

US authorities regularly issue penalties for:

• Incorrect origin labelling

• Missing RN numbers

• Inaccurate fibre percentages

For exporters, even a small labelling error can trigger shipment holds or long-term compliance audits.

Clothing Labelling Rules in the United Arab Emirates

Why the UAE Is a High-Risk Market for Incorrect Labels

The UAE acts as a regional hub for the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe. Because of this, customs enforcement is strict and highly systematic.

Mandatory Garment Label Requirements in the UAE

Most apparel products must include:

• Product name

• Fibre composition

• Country of origin

• Care instructions

• Brand or importer details

Language Rules in the UAE

Arabic is mandatory on all garment labels. English may be added, but Arabic cannot be skipped. Many shipments face delays simply due to missing or incorrect Arabic translations.

UAE Compliance Fact

Customs inspections in the UAE frequently check labels at the port level. Incorrect labels often result in relabelling at bonded warehouses, which significantly increases cost and delays market entry.

Key Differences Between EU, USA, and UAE Labelling Rules

While fibre composition is mandatory across all three regions, the differences are critical.

• The EU focuses heavily on fibre naming accuracy and language

• The USA mandates care instructions and origin disclosure

• The UAE requires Arabic language compliance and importer transparency

This is why a single universal label rarely works across all export markets.

New and Upcoming Garment Labelling Rules in India

India is now strengthening its domestic textile labelling framework to align with international standards. The upcoming changes are driven by export growth, sustainability commitments, and consumer protection.

Expected focus areas include:

• Standardised fibre disclosure norms

• Improved care labelling practices

• Clear differentiation between natural, synthetic, and regenerated fibres

• Greater accountability for recycled and sustainable claims

As India continues to be one of the world’s largest garment exporters, these updates will directly impact how exporters prepare products for global markets.

Why NoName Is the Best Garment Exporter in India for Global Compliance

In a world where compliance mistakes can cost millions, NoName has emerged as one of the best garment exporters in India for brands that value accuracy, transparency, and long-term growth.

NoName works with thousands of emerging and established brands worldwide and understands how EU, USA, UAE, and Indian labelling rules intersect with real production challenges. Instead of treating labelling as an afterthought, NoName integrates compliance into fabric selection, product development, and final finishing.

What sets NoName apart is its ability to translate regulations into practical solutions. From advising on fibre composition wording to aligning care instructions with fabric performance, NoName helps brands avoid costly errors before they happen.

With flexible MOQs, technical guidance, and export-ready processes, NoName enables brands to enter regulated markets confidently and scale without compliance stress.

Smart Labelling Is Now a Brand Advantage

Consumers today actively check garment labels. Studies show that over 60 per cent of buyers read fibre and care labels before purchasing, especially in premium and sustainable categories. Transparent labelling builds trust, reduces returns, and improves brand credibility.

For exporters, this means labelling is no longer just a legal requirement. It is a strategic branding tool.

Conclusion: The Future of Apparel Exports Is Compliance-First

As global regulations tighten and India updates its own textile standards, garment labelling is becoming one of the most important pillars of successful apparel exports. Brands that invest in accurate, market-specific labelling will move faster, face fewer disruptions, and build stronger international relationships.

With deep regulatory understanding and hands-on export expertise, NoName helps fashion brands stay compliant, competitive, and future-ready.

Want to export garments without labelling risks?

Partner with NoName, the best garment exporter in India, and ensure your products meet EU, UAE, USA, and upcoming Indian labelling standards from the start.

Contact NoName today and turn compliance into your competitive edge.

WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508

Email: hello@nonameglobal.com

Website: www.nonameglobal.com  

Online meeting: https://calendly.com/nonameglobal/meet

About the Author

This blog is written by Shraddha Srivastava, a fashion expert and industry observer known for breaking down complex trends into practical, actionable insights. With a strong understanding of garment manufacturing, retail, consumer psychology, and brand strategy, she also brings hands-on knowledge of apparel import–export processes, global compliance, and cross-border sourcing. Shraddha helps fashion brands navigate sourcing, imports, and market expansion, making growth simple, scalable, and data-driven.