How to prepare UK textile fibre labels
For a Great Britain textile label, match factory records to permitted fibre names, list weight percentages in descending order and check whether components need separate declarations. Add the prescribed statement for non-textile animal parts, then approve artwork against the actual materials. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate these checks with its staff in China.
Build a component record before drafting
Ask the factory for a material schedule covering the outer fabric, main lining, filling, panels and trims. For each textile component, record the fabric reference, fibre composition by weight, supplier declaration and any test report tied to the material being ordered. Ask separately whether trims contain leather, fur or other animal-derived materials.
Reconcile the schedule with the approved sample and production purchase order. If records conflict, hold label approval while the factory explains the difference; arrange composition testing where documents cannot resolve it. The textile belts and garment parts guide covers product sourcing issues; this guide covers turning material records into label text.
Use permitted names, not factory shorthand
Only fibre names listed in the regulation's permitted-name annex may describe fibre composition on labels. The fibre must also match the annex's description. Ask the factory to explain trade names, abbreviations and vague material descriptions before mapping them to a permitted name. A translation of the supplier's wording alone does not establish that match.
Keep a working record showing the original factory description, the proposed permitted name and the supporting material information. Separate fibre identity from colour, finish and sales claims. The textile dyes and colourants guide addresses dye-related sourcing and chemical checks.
Declare percentages for the right component
For a blend, declare constituent fibre names and percentages by weight in descending order. Take the composition from records for the actual fabric, not the order value, fabric area or a whole-garment average. Ask the laboratory to identify the sampled component when commissioning tests.
Different textile components generally require separate composition declarations. The component exception applies only when a component is not a main lining and represents less than 30 % of the product's total weight. A main lining cannot use that exception. Use clear component headings in the artwork, and retain weight evidence before relying on an omission.
Check animal-derived parts separately
Where a textile product contains non-textile parts of animal origin, its label or marking must state ‘Contains non-textile parts of animal origin’. The wording must be understandable and not misleading. Ask about leather patches, fur trims and animal-derived buttons rather than checking the fabric declaration alone.
Keep the animal-parts check separate from the fibre-percentage calculation. Request written confirmation of each suspect trim's material and compare it with the production sample. An unanswered trim question should remain open in the approval record.
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Approve wording and the attached label
Check the artwork against the agreed material schedule before printing. Textile labelling must be durable, easily legible, visible and accessible; a label must be securely attached. Approve a physical label sample as well as the digital file. Use the label checks before printing guide for the wider artwork approval process.
Retain the approved wording, component records, supporting reports and a photograph of the attached production label. Ask the factory to flag material substitutions before using existing labels. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can coordinate factory records and sample checks for the buyer's approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I copy the Chinese factory's fabric description?
Check it first. Composition labels use permitted fibre names, and each fibre must match the relevant description. Ask the factory to explain trade names and shorthand before approving a translation.
How should fibre percentages appear on a UK label?
For a blend, list constituent fibre names and percentages by weight in descending order. Use composition records for the relevant fabric component.
Does a garment lining need its own composition?
A main lining with a different fibre composition needs a separate declaration. The exception for components weighing less than 30 % does not apply to main linings.
Does a leather patch need an animal-origin statement?
A leather patch is a non-textile animal part. The textile label or marking must include ‘Contains non-textile parts of animal origin’. Check patches and trims separately from fabric composition.