Compliance by market
Selling apparel in the EU and UK: labelling, chemicals and child safety
In the EU, garments need fibre-composition labels using the approved fibre names, in the language of the country of sale (Regulation 1007/2011). They must also meet REACH chemical restrictions. Children's clothing follows EN 14682 on cords and drawstrings, and since December 2024 the General Product Safety Regulation requires an EU-based responsible operator and traceability information. Great Britain has its own rules, closely related to the EU's.
Key takeaways
- Fibre labels use approved fibre names in the official language(s) of the country of sale (Regulation (EU) 1007/2011).
- REACH Annex XVII restricts substances in textiles, including certain azo dyes and nonylphenol ethoxylates.
- EN 14682 sets the rules for cords and drawstrings on children's clothing.
- Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) requires an EU-based responsible operator and traceability details.
- Great Britain has its own textile labelling, UK REACH and product safety rules.
Reference information, not legal advice. Regulations change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked below or a compliance professional before shipping.
1. Textile labelling (Regulation (EU) 1007/2011)
Garments placed on the EU market must state their fibre composition using only the fibre names listed in the regulation, as percentages. The label must be in the official language(s) of the Member State where the garment is sold. EU law does not make care labelling mandatory, but retailers and consumers expect care symbols.
2. Chemicals — REACH
REACH Annex XVII restricts hazardous substances in consumer products, including textiles. For apparel the ones that matter are:
- Azo dyes that can release certain carcinogenic amines.
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) in textiles that can be washed in water.
- A group of CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction) in clothing.
- Nickel release from metal parts that touch skin for long periods, which affects snaps, rivets and zips.
- PFHxA and related PFAS (Regulation (EU) 2024/2462), restricted in consumer clothing since 10 October 2026. This matters for water- and stain-repellent finishes, so ask for a PFAS-free DWR.
Buyers usually ask for test reports on these substances, or use certified fabric (OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, for example) as part of their due diligence.
3. Children’s clothing — EN 14682
EN 14682 is the European standard for cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing. It prohibits drawstrings in the hood and neck area for young children and limits cords elsewhere by age group and garment area. Market surveillance authorities use it as the reference when judging whether a children’s garment is safe.
4. Product safety — GPSR
The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 has applied since 13 December 2024. For garments made outside the EU, it requires an economic operator established in the EU who is responsible for the product. It also requires traceability information on the product or packaging: the manufacturer’s name and contact details, and a type, batch or serial reference.
5. Great Britain
Since Brexit, Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) applies its own versions of these rules. Textile labelling falls under the Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations 2012. UK REACH is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive. Consumer products fall under general product safety rules, with BS EN 14682 used for children’s cords and drawstrings.
Northern Ireland continues to follow EU product rules.
Voluntary certifications
| Certification | What it covers |
|---|---|
| OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 | Products tested for harmful substances; stricter class for baby articles |
| GOTS | Organic fibre content plus environmental and social criteria |
| OCS | Chain of custody for organic content |
| GRS | Recycled content plus social, environmental and chemical criteria |
Final thoughts
For EU and UK orders, settle the label languages, chemical testing and responsible-operator details before production starts. For school uniforms and children’s wear, put EN 14682 in the specification from the first sample.