{"id":24,"date":"2026-10-05T19:12:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T19:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/labelaccord.com\/blog\/?p=24"},"modified":"2026-10-05T19:17:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T19:17:04","slug":"eu-fibre-composition-labelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/labelaccord.com\/blog\/eu-fibre-composition-labelling\/","title":{"rendered":"EU Fibre Composition Labels: Names, Percentages and Animal-Origin Disclosures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Factual review: 6 October 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Open<\/p>\n

AI-generated illustration of a garment-material review; not a verified material specification.<\/em><\/p>\n

A useful fibre-composition label starts with a reliable material specification. For clothing covered by the EU Textile Labelling Regulation, the declaration uses prescribed fibre names and the applicable percentage rules<\/strong>. Different textile components and non-textile animal parts can require additional information. Regulation (EU) No 1007\/2011, Articles 5, 9, 11 and 12<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This guide helps sourcing and production teams prepare declarations for ordinary adult textile clothing. It covers selected rules that affect everyday label decisions, with illustrative examples. Special product rules, laboratory calculations and a complete list of exemptions are outside its scope.<\/p>\n

Use the prescribed fibre names<\/h2>\n

Article 5 requires the names listed in Annex I when describing textile fibre composition. The material must also meet the definition associated with that name. Familiar entries include cotton, wool, silk, viscose, polyester and elastane. Article 5 and Annex I<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A supplier’s marketing description is not enough on its own. Ask for the underlying fibre identity and check it against the prescribed terminology. Keep claims about a fabric’s finish, performance or commercial name separate from the composition declaration.<\/p>\n

For example, an internal description such as \u201cstretch cotton\u201d tells the artwork team too little. The supplier needs to confirm the actual fibres and percentages before the team can prepare a declaration such as 95% cotton, 5% elastane<\/strong>. Those figures are an illustration, not a default composition for stretch fabrics.<\/p>\n

State the percentages accurately<\/h2>\n

For a multi-fibre product, the general rule is to state all constituent fibres and their percentages by weight in descending order. Article 9(1)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Use the verified composition as the starting point. Do not adjust percentages to make the label look simpler or copy a declaration from a similar style without checking its materials.<\/p>\n

When can you use \u201c100%\u201d or \u201cpure\u201d?<\/h3>\n

These terms are reserved for products composed exclusively of one fibre. Article 7 contains narrow provisions for technically unavoidable extraneous fibres; these are not permission to describe an intentional blend as pure. Article 7(1)\u2013(2)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A confirmed 95% cotton and 5% elastane blend should therefore not become \u201c100% cotton\u201d. If a supplier relies on a tolerance or an exception, ask for the specific basis before approving the wording.<\/p>\n

Can a small percentage be called \u201cother fibres\u201d?<\/h3>\n

Not simply because it is small. Article 9(2) allows the term in defined circumstances: a fibre accounting for up to 5%, or fibres collectively accounting for up to 15%, where they cannot easily be stated at manufacture. Their total percentage must accompany the term. Article 9(2)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That condition matters. If the supplier has established that the garment contains 5% elastane, the percentage alone does not justify hiding it as \u201cother fibres\u201d. Fibres not yet listed in Annex I have a separate provision under Article 9(5)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Check the shell, lining and other components<\/h2>\n

A garment with two or more textile components of different fibre content generally needs the composition of each component stated. Article 11 provides an exemption only where a component is not a main lining and represents less than 30% of the product’s total weight<\/strong>. Both conditions matter. Article 11(1)\u2013(2)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This means a main lining cannot be omitted by using that small-component exemption. Check which components need their own declaration before combining the shell and lining into a whole-garment percentage blend.<\/p>\n

Keep separate-labelling decisions distinct from calculation decisions. The Commission explains that a component exempt from a separate declaration is not automatically excluded from the fibre-content calculation. Article 19 and Annex VII identify calculation exclusions. Commission FAQs, question 2.9<\/a>; Article 19(2) and Annex VII<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The practical starting point is a component list from the supplier: outer fabric, main lining and other relevant textile parts, with composition evidence for each.<\/p>\n

Add the non-textile animal-origin disclosure where required<\/h2>\n

For in-scope textile products containing non-textile parts of animal origin, Article 12 requires the phrase:<\/p>\n

Contains non-textile parts of animal origin<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Commission’s examples include leather, down, feathers, bone, pearl and horn, including small quantities. A small leather patch therefore needs attention even when the main fabric is entirely plant-based or synthetic. Article 12<\/a>; Commission FAQs, question 5.2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wool and silk are textile fibres listed in Annex I. Their animal origin alone does not make them non-textile parts or trigger this disclosure. Check for additional non-textile materials in the actual garment. Annex I and Article 12<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A leather patch is also not another fibre to add to a cotton\/polyester blend percentage: Annex VII excludes non-textile parts when determining fibre composition. Article 19(2) and Annex VII(a)(i)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Two illustrative declarations<\/h2>\n

These examples show the information structure in English. They assume verified compositions, a product within the Regulation’s scope and no additional textile components requiring declaration. They are not complete production labels or approved translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Garment assumptions<\/th>\nIllustrative declaration<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Unlined garment; declared fibres are 95% cotton and 5% elastane; no non-textile animal parts.<\/td>\n95% cotton, 5% elastane<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jacket; outer fabric is 80% wool and 20% polyester; main lining is 100% viscose; a genuine leather patch is attached.<\/td>\nOuter: 80% wool, 20% polyester. Main lining: 100% viscose. Contains non-textile parts of animal origin.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The second example separates the outer and lining because they have different compositions. The leather patch triggers the additional disclosure; the wool does not do so by itself. The examples apply Articles 7, 9, 11 and 12<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Check the wording and final artwork<\/h2>\n

Use the destination Member State’s official language or languages unless it provides otherwise. Keep composition information clear and consistently printed, with other information displayed separately. Required textile labels must be durable, legible, visible, accessible and securely attached; composition must also be visible before purchase, including online. Articles 14(1) and 16<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Before releasing the declaration, confirm:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Material evidence:<\/strong> the supplier’s specification matches the finished garment and each relevant component.<\/li>\n
  2. Names and percentages:<\/strong> prescribed terminology, correct order and a documented basis for any exception.<\/li>\n
  3. Animal parts:<\/strong> trims and fillings checked as well as the main fabric.<\/li>\n
  4. Destinations:<\/strong> language requirements reflected in the artwork.<\/li>\n
  5. Version control:<\/strong> the factory and online product team receive the same approved composition information.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Care instructions require their own assessment. A verified fibre declaration tells the reader what the garment contains; it does not establish an appropriate washing or cleaning treatment.<\/p>\n

    Related guides<\/h2>\n