Consumer information and claims

Federal Trade Commission

FTC requirements address particular labeling and commercial claims, including textile information, care labels, EnergyGuide and unqualified U.S.-origin claims. Claim substantiation is distinct from product safety testing.

Read the source in its own scope

Federal Trade Commission is represented in this collection through the specific publications listed below. Begin with the product, activity and responsible party identified by the source. A reference to an agency does not establish that every product in an industry follows the same pathway. Scope, definitions, exceptions and the status of an adopted technical document can change the conclusion.

Connect the publication to the product decision

Use the original publication to establish the requirement, then connect it to the actual model, configuration, process or transaction. Keep source dates separate from effective and compliance dates. Where several agencies are relevant, preserve a distinct conclusion for each framework. A test report, registration, approval, certification and voluntary program claim should be assessed for the precise object and conditions they cover.

5 source profiles

Publications and requirements in this collection

Federal regulationFTC

Apparel: Permanent Care Instructions and Supporting Evidence

16 CFR Part 423

The Care Labeling Rule addresses regular care of covered textile wearing apparel and certain piece goods. It requires usable instructions, necessary warnings and a reasonable basis for the stated method. Care instructions must account for the finished article rather than the main fabric alone. Fiber-content and origin labels serve different purposes, even when the disclosures appear on the same physical label.

Textiles & Apparel

Federal regulationFTC

Appliances: EnergyGuide Labels and Online Disclosures

16 CFR Part 305

The Energy Labeling Rule helps purchasers compare covered products using prescribed energy or water information. EnergyGuide labels rely on the applicable test and representation framework rather than a manufacturer’s unrestricted estimate. Physical labels, online information and reporting responsibilities need coordinated model data. The yellow label is a disclosure tool, not an FTC approval or a voluntary award for superior efficiency.

Appliances & Energy Performance Electronics & Radio Equipment

Federal regulationFTC

Textiles: Fiber Content, Origin and Responsible Business

16 CFR Part 303; Textile Fiber Products Identification Act

Textile labels identify fiber composition, country of origin and the manufacturer or other responsible business. Coverage depends on the product and applicable exemptions rather than the presence of fabric alone. Label statements, advertisements and supplier records must remain consistent. A registered identification number identifies a business; it does not certify a product, verify fiber content or replace the required country-of-origin disclosure.

Textiles & Apparel

Federal regulationFTC

U.S. Origin Claims: Made in USA Labels and Substantiation

16 CFR Part 323; FTC Act section 5

An unqualified Made in USA claim conveys that a product is all or virtually all made in the United States. Part 323 establishes conditions for such claims on covered labels, including specified mail-order advertising. Qualified claims require accurate limits and supporting evidence. Customs origin determinations, government purchasing eligibility and U.S. corporate ownership answer different questions and do not automatically substantiate a consumer-facing U.S.-origin claim.

Government Procurement & Technical Supply Textiles & Apparel Appliances & Energy Performance

Federal regulationFTC

Wool Products: Composition, Recycled Wool and Cashmere Claims

16 CFR Part 300; Wool Products Labeling Act

Wool products have labeling requirements that overlap with, but differ from, general textile rules. The legal framework addresses wool and recycled wool content, other fibers, origin and business identity. Cashmere and fine-wool descriptions have specific meanings. Evidence must support the actual fiber declaration, including specialty-fiber claims; a luxury trade description or a supplier’s invoice alone does not establish the material’s legal identity.

Textiles & Apparel