Labeling Requirements for Socks

OK, this rule has been out there for a while, but the fact is that I just saw it today. The good news, is that I do not manufacture socks, so it does not really matter that I did not know this rule. Anyway, as you know the purpose of the Fashion Industry Network is to "educate" ourselves and others regarding topics relevant to fashion. Therefore, I thought it could not hurt for us to occasionally review some of the laws that effect our industry. So, if you are interested, you are welcome to read the short summary regarding the proper labeling of socks. Labeling Requirements for Socks Effective March 3, 2006 The Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 imposes special requirements for disclosing the country of origin of socks included under Harmonized Tariff Schedule classifications 6115.92.90, 6115.93.90, 6115.99.18, 6111.20.60, 6111.30.50, and 611.90.50. For those socks, the country of origin must be placed on the front of the package, adjacent to the size information. (If the size information is on the back of the package, the country of origin must still be on the front of the package.) If the socks are banded together by a label or hangtag, the country of origin must appear on the front of that label or tag. The new requirements are set forth in the FTC’s Textile Rules at 16 CFR § 303.15(d). The only exception to this new requirement is for socks included in a package that also contains other types of goods (such as a baby outfit that includes socks as well as other items of clothing). However, such packages of multiple items must comply with other sections of the FTC’s Textile Rules (see, for example, 16 CFR §§ 303.28 and 303.29). NOTE: ALL RULES CHANGE SOME TIMES... The above is as of today February 26, 2009. If you manufacturer socks, wholesale socks, or retail socks, I suggest you double check the most current ruling (depending on when you read this blog post). You can find rulings at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can find a link to them from the care label section on Apparel Search. Find sock manufacturers at the clothing factory section on Apparel Search.