Labels, mostly FTC concerns

[#1]

Okay. I started this business telling myself I was not going to panic about the CPSIA and I was not going to post a question in here without reading everything and getting my answer there. But its just a lot of information, I am feeling really overwhelmed.

Right now, I am making three items for this shop: aprons, hand towels, and children's aprons. I thought I was fine with just putting a CPSIA label inside my children's aprons that said:
SugarSeams
sugarseams.etsy.com
Santa Fe, TX 77517
DOM September 2009

But with the FTC labels, I don't know what to do. From what I have read, FTC labels will be required on all the items I make and include name, country, care instructions and fiber disclosure
So a label like:
Sugar Seams
Made in USA of Imported Fabric
100% Cotton
Wash in gentle cycle, line dry

My difficulties with the FTC labels are:
1) it makes it impossible to make reversible aprons, yes?
2) i have been sewing for over 35 years and my studio is filled to the brim with unknown fabric. they are all primarily cotton but could have some blend, im not really sure. the FTC website recommends writing: Made of unknown fibers or something similar but that just sounds really suspicious.
3) is the verdict out about needing lot and item numbers?
4) writing down the content and country of origin and then keeping it organized seems to require a whole new level of sophistication to my system
5) i was hoping to buy these labels in bulk but since i don't make my items in bulk and they all use separate fabric, the time to make these labels and have them produced seems burdensome.
6) has anyone requested an rn number? do you need a business license for one? i own a business license but in a different name, should i aquire one for all of my etsy shops and get an rn number for each one?
7) is the FTC label law already in effect? any chance of them saying oopsie, our bad, nevermind!?

[BoundbyInspiration]

Don't quote me but I am pretty sure I saw something somewhere about reversible clothing only having to have a temporary label attached. Check out this site http://www.textileaffairs.com/writing.htm or you could sew the label inside of a pocket.

[Former_Member]

I know this thread of almost a year old but it's been very helpful. I just got my first wholesale order & my buyer requested FTC tags. Seems like I've entered a whole new world now. Yikes!

[AprilsWhim]

marking

[Former_Member]

I just finished reading the 17 pg FTC document: http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus21-threading-your-way-through-labeling-requirements-under-texti...

It's not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. I just hightlighted everything pertaining to me as I read & I learned alot. Most importantly: 1. nowhere does it mention a required size label 2. Garment care instruction labels must be permanent but content labels do not.

Since my fabrics vary greatly in every project, I'm thinking of printing hangtags with that info & sewing in a "dry clean only" or "machine wash & dry" label.

Now I'm venturing in to learn more about RN #'s.

[Former_Member]

I can tell you what I am doing for my records when I buy new fabric. I ask permission (no one has ever said no--even Walmart), then I whip out my camera and take a picture of the tag on the end of the fabric bolt, including a bit of the fabric in the picture. This way, I have a picture of the fabric, contents, care instructions, and sometimes, even the price. When I get home, I print it out, attach a sliver of the fabric and file it.

[Former_Member]

marking

[HappyGoLucky1]

Still great info here...I have same concerns as OP.

[saburkitty]

Marking *feels overwhelmed too*

[Former_Member]

Marking

[Former_Member]

marking

[Aprons2tie4]

marking for future headache!

[Former_Member]

wrens,
what a great idea to take pic of fabric bolt end
I think i will start to do the same w/ beads I buy, i forget what stone they are when i get home.

going way back in the thread... if you know the fiber you are supposed to list highest percentage 1st, then descending order

I think there is something about not falling back on "dry clean fabric" if it can be washed...for mine, i'm going to say machine wash cold, roll up into towel to remove water and lay flat to dry...

i'm going to try the painted treasures product for my labels, my nuno wool felt items have different %s each time,

btw, your listing should be saying the fiber content and the country of origin and cleaning instructions I believe.
FTC went after big companies for their mail order catalogs being deficient in this. think our online listings are required to say the above as well.

[Former_Member]

I have a question about the FTC label requirements in regards to my diaper clutch changing pads. The majority of the clutch is made from 100% cotton. The inner layer is Warm & Natural- 87.5% cotton/12.5% polymer fibers and the lining or wipe-able surface is currently PUL, but I am switching to ProCare- 25% polyester, 75% vinyl.

How would I label this correctly? Can I the care instructions and the content & origin on the same label? Also, should I include that the ProCare "Does not contain DEHP, Phlalates or BPA plasticizers?"

Lastly, am I correct to assume that the hook & loop, elastic, and the small amount of interfacing are exempt from the FTC labeling requirements?

[Former_Member]

Sorry for the typos!

[Former_Member]

Would it just be safer to include labels even though you may not be required to do so?

[Former_Member]

I make magnets and key chains also. I wonder if I have to worry about those?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

modmomME

You could say:
Face, 100% cotton
Lining/or Back 75% vinyl, 25% polyester
Batting/ or filling 87.5% cotton/12.5% polymer fibers
The findings do not need to be mentioned.
Put the " ProCare "Does not contain DEHP, Phlalates or BPA plasticizers" on your listing. Do you have documentation in writing with testing results on this? vinyl was orginally totally not to be used before, and I know that manufacturers were formulating new product to comply, I'd have all the testing results. You may be able to get this from the product manufacturer, if not you'll have to send off for testing yourself.