Widespread shortcomings in textile labelling across Europe – the situation in Finland is generally good
In a joint market surveillance project, EU market surveillance authorities identified significant shortcomings in fibre composition labelling for textile products. In more than one third of the products examined, the labelling did not correspond to the actual materials used. Of the products purchased in Finland, only one was found to contain an error relating to fibre composition.
As part of the surveillance project, the authorities examined a total of 132 textile products, including nightwear, scarves, cardigans, tops and sportswear. Most of the products were purchased from physical stores, but the sample also included products bought from online shops both within and outside Europe.
The project identified several different types of labelling deficiencies. In 37% of the products, the fibre composition labelling did not correspond to the materials used in the products. In many cases, the fibre types had been indicated correctly, but the percentages did not match the true composition. Some products also contained cheaper fibres than those declared in the label, and in certain cases fibres had been declared or named incorrectly.
There were differences in non-compliance depending on the declared fibre composition. Deficiencies were most frequently identified in products labelled as containing both natural and synthetic fibres (64%), followed by blends of natural fibres (46%). By contrast, of the products labelled as consisting of 100% of a single natural fibre, only 15% were non-compliant.
Of the 12 test products purchased in Finland, only one was found to contain a fibre that had not been declared in the product labelling. In the other deficiencies identified in products purchased in Finland, the issues concerned labelling terminology or language requirements, such as missing information in Finnish or Swedish.
Incorrect textile labeling may undermine consumer confidence
In the EU, textile labelling is mandatory for textile products intended for sale to consumers. Responsibility for the accuracy of the labelling lies with the manufacturer or the importer established in the EU. Distributors must ensure that textile products bear the appropriate label or marking.
Incorrect fibre labelling may mislead consumers, for example regarding the quality, characteristics or care of a textile product. As a result of the project, market surveillance authorities ordered 18 products to be withdrawn from sale. In addition, manufacturers were instructed to correct product labelling and to add missing warnings. Other enforcement measures were taken in relation to 24 products.
The high level of non-compliance suggests that incorrect labelling of textile products is common. This highlights the importance of continuous market surveillance and product testing. Although only a small number of serious cases of noncompliance relating to fibre composition were identified in products purchased in Finland, labelling deficiencies were found in those products as well.
– Consumers must be able to rely on textile product labelling to accurately indicate the product’s actual fibre content. Accurate fibre composition labelling enables consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and also supports fair competition in the market, says Senior Officer Marita Hiipakka of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).
What information must be provided in textile product labelling?
Textile products sold to consumers must clearly indicate the fibre composition of the product using the correct fibre names. The fibre composition must be stated in descending order by percentage. The fibre contents of the lining, filling and other components must be indicated separately. The full names of the fibres must be used, and abbreviations may not be used in information provided to consumers.
The information must be attached to the product either by means of a separate label or by a marking affixed directly to the product. In Finland, the labelling information must be provided to consumers in Finnish and Swedish. Elsewhere in Europe, the information must be given in the official language or languages of the country concerned.
The fibre composition of a textile product must be stated clearly and consistently in all product information (for example on the label, packaging and in brochures), so that the information is easy to read and understand. The information must be available to the consumer before the purchasing decision is made, including where the purchase takes place electronically, for example through an online store.
Where products are offered online or through distance selling, the product information must clearly include the identification details and contact information of the manufacturer (or the responsible person in the EU), the product identification details, and any applicable warnings and safety information in a language that consumers can understand.
The textile market surveillance project was carried out as part of the EU-wide Joint Actions on Compliance of Products (JACOP) 2025 PSA 06 Textiles project. Authorities from Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Malta and Portugal participated in the project.
The final report of the project is available here.
Further information:
Marita Hiipakka, Senior Officer, tel. 029 505 2287
[email protected]
Textile labelling regulation: Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products (available in Finnish)
