Sell Handmade? Know the Label Laws

We're all aware of the scratchy labels that are affixed to every piece of clothing we wear (until we get irritated with the scratching and cut them out), hanging off our pillows and linens, and even sewn into the seams of our children's stuffed toys. Most of us are also aware that those labels are stuck there because US law requires them to be. Who isn't familiar with the "Remove Under Penalty" tags?

What most crafters don't know is that those same laws apply to every textile and fiber item they sell.

If you sell clothing, toys, linens, or anything else that is crafted from fabric or yarn (in all its forms, including hemp), you're responsible for knowing the label laws that govern what you sell. Even if you decide to sell one shirt on eBay that you crafted, you have to include specific information on labels ... seriously.

This guide will help you understand what label laws apply to the textile and fiber crafts you create and keep you from landing in hot water. These laws apply to anyone who sells their crafts, so if you're just gift-giving and not selling, you'll be fine without labelling. The rest of us need to read on.

The Label: Basic Contents Required

Labeling laws apply to both large-scale manufacturers as well as individual crafters or indie designers. When you're selling textile and fiber items, you're required by the government to follow the labeling laws. In the US, the laws are pretty cut and dry. Other countries have similar laws, but what we're discussing here are specific to the United States. If you live outside the US and are considering selling your work, you'll want to look into the laws for your country.

Within the US, every textile and fiber item that you sell is required by Federal Law to include labels with at least the following information: