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A practical guide for brands, importers, and anyone working in apparel
Selling clothing across the EU and UK means following a web of safety rules, and let’s be honest, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Between chemical restrictions, labelling rules, and post-Brexit differences, there’s a lot to keep track of.
But here’s the good news: once you know what’s required and have a solid process in place, compliance becomes manageable. It can even become a smart competitive advantage. This guide breaks it down in simple terms. We’ll explain what the laws say, what they mean for your business, and how to stay on top of it all.
Why Compliance Matters
Let’s start with the obvious. Safety regulations aren’t just about paperwork. They protect people, especially children, from harm. They also protect your business from product recalls, fines, and damage to your brand’s reputation.
When your products are safe, well-labelled, and compliant, you earn customer trust and stay in good standing with regulators and retailers.
Safety Standards for Clothing, Apparel, and Textiles in the EU
1. REACH Regulation
REACH controls the use of chemicals in products sold in the EU. This includes substances like azo dyes, lead, phthalates, and other potentially harmful ingredients. If you’re making or importing clothing, it’s your responsibility to ensure the materials are safe. That often means getting test results or declarations from suppliers.
2. Textile Labelling Rules
Clothing sold in the EU must be labelled with accurate fiber content using official fiber names. For example, you must say “100% Cotton” rather than using vague terms like “natural fabric.” If your product includes leather, fur, or any other animal-derived part, that must be clearly stated. Labels must also be in the local language of the country where the item is sold.
3. Product Liability and Recalls
If a defective product causes harm, the manufacturer or importer can be held responsible, even if no negligence is proven. If a product is found to be unsafe, companies must inform authorities and take steps to recall it.
4. General Product Safety Regulation (EU GPSR 2023/988)
As of December 2024, this regulation replaced the older EU directive. It applies to all consumer products, including clothing, even if there’s no specific law for apparel. It requires proper risk assessments, rules for online and second-hand goods, and a responsible person based in the EU who can be contacted about product safety.
Practical Guide to Clothing, Apparels, and Textile Compliance in the UK & EU
A helpful guide that provides a comprehensive overview of compliance for Clothing, Apparels, and Textiles.
What Changed After Brexit?
The UK kept many of the same rules but now operates its own regulatory system. Here are the key differences.
1. UK General Product Safety Regulations (2005)
These rules apply in England, Scotland, and Wales. They are based on the older EU safety directive and remain in force. The goal is still the same: ensure that only safe products are sold.
2. UK REACH
The UK launched its own version of REACH in 2021. At first, it mirrored the EU’s chemical rules, but differences may appear over time. When in doubt, it’s safest to follow the stricter version.
3. UK Textile Labelling Rules
The UK still requires accurate fiber content labels using official fiber names. Labels must be in English. If you’re based outside the UK, you may also need to include a UK importer’s name and address on the label for traceability.
4. Extra Fire Safety Requirements
The UK has additional fire safety rules not found in EU law. These include:
- Children’s nightwear must meet fire resistance standards or carry a “Keep Away From Fire” warning.
Upholstered furniture like cushions, chairs, and sofas must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. These require specific fire tests and permanent fire safety labels.
5. Enforcement and Recalls in the UK
UK Trading Standards is responsible for checking product safety. If an item is unsafe, the business must act quickly, just like in the EU. That’s why keeping proper documentation is so important.
Fibre Content Labelling Rules for Clothing and Textile Products
Labelling seems straightforward, but it’s often where mistakes happen. Every textile product must have a clear, durable label showing the fiber content. If a garment is made of different materials, like a polyester shell with a cotton lining, both need to be listed.
If a product includes any real animal materials, that must also be disclosed. Mislabelling can lead to recalls or fines, even if it was unintentional. Always verify your fiber content, either through supplier documentation or lab testing.
Compliance Documentation Essentials for Clothing and Textiles
Regulators and retailers may ask for evidence that your products are compliant. That means keeping a technical file for each product or product group. It should include:
- Chemical and flammability test results
- Supplier certificates and declarations
- Safety data sheets
- Risk assessments
- Product labels
- Declarations of Conformity (if needed)
Even if it’s not a legal requirement for general clothing, keeping this documentation ready is a smart move, especially if you sell on platforms like Amazon or supply larger retailers.
Let Euverify Make Things Easier
If you’re handling this all manually, things can get messy fast. Euverify helps streamline compliance management for apparel and textile businesses.
Here’s what it can do:
- Help you figure out which regulations apply to your products
- Walk you through risk assessments with easy-to-use templates
- Store and organise your compliance documents
- Generate Declarations of Conformity and other required forms
- Act as your authorised representative in the EU or UK if needed
- Notify you of changes in the law
- Provide documents that meet retailer requirements, including for marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy
Euverify helps turn compliance from a complicated task into something simple, organised, and much less stressful.
Technical Files Checklist & Risk Assessment Template
For Clothing, Apparels, and Textiles
- Ensure Compliance
- Reduce Risk
- Streamline Documentation
- Supports market access
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Final thoughts
Following safety regulations for clothing and textiles isn’t optional. But once you know the rules and set up a system to manage them, it becomes part of your normal workflow.
Good compliance protects your customers and your brand. It can also set you apart, especially with consumers who value safety, transparency, and responsibility.
Whether you’re just getting started or expanding into new markets, stay informed, stay organised, and don’t be afraid to use tools that make your life easier.
Appoint Your EU Representative & Ensure Compliance for Your Clothing, Apparels, and Textile
- Stay compliant with EU regulations
- Hassle-free representation for Clothing, Apparels, and Textiles
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