New Garment Labeling Requirements in Andean Community

Top Quote The Andean Community has approved new minimum requirements for clothing labels. This Technical Regulation will cover Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) February 04, 2020 - New Technical Regulation concerning minimum labeling requirements for apparel approved for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

    Collectively known as the Andean Community, these four countries have introduced an Andean Technical Regulation that was originally proposed in April 2019. Now approved as Andean Technical Regulations for the Labelling of Apparel – Resolution No. 2019 - it sets out minimum clothing labeling requirements to prevent misinforming consumers in the Andean Community.

    The minimum labelling requirements are:
    • Composition of the material that makes up the product - permanent label
    • Care and conservation instructions - permanent label
    • Country of origin or manufacture - permanent label
    • Identification of the manufacturer or importer - permanent or non-permanent label
    • Size or dimensions, as applicable - permanent or non-permanent label

    The regulation indicates the type of expressions that can be used for country of origin. Although similar phrases may be applicable, examples include:
    • “Hecho en …”
    • “Fabricado en…”
    • “Elaborado en…”

    The above information must be contained on one or more labels. It must be written in simple terms and must be indelible, legible, visible and easily accessible to the consumer. It must be written in Spanish, although additional languages, expressions, abbreviations, symbols or pictograms may be used.

    It should be noted that additional or special information must not cover or distort the minimum information required. The Technical Regulation also states that corrections and updates with the new information cannot be superimposed over an original label.

    Stakeholders manufacturing or importing ‘sets’ - two or more textile products - should note that all items should be labelled individually, even if they contain the same composition of materials. However, if the textile articles are made of the same material and are sold in pairs (e.g. mittens, gloves or socks), at least one of the pieces is required to bear the label(s) with the minimum information.

    Annex 1 of the Technical Regulation contains a list of garments and clothing items that’s are not included, but these may be regulated by internal regulations of each member country. Excluded products include:

    • Tailor-made clothing and household goods
    • Diplomatic franchises
    • Rescue supplies
    • Donations
    • Advertising materials
    • Samples without commercial value
    • Personal items or luggage of travellers
    • Correspondence
    • Postal packages
    • Emergency supplies

    This Technical Regulation will come into effect 18 months after it is published in the Official Gazette of the Cartagena Agreement.

    SGS Softlines Services
    SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

    SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Andean Community Approved Technical Regulations on Labelling Requirements for Apparel SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2020/01/safeguards-00920-andean-community-approved-technical-regulations-on-labeling-requirements]

    Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

    For further information contact:
    Louann Spirito
    Consumer and Retail — Softlines
    US & Canada Softlines Business Head
    Tel: +1 973 461 7919
    Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
    Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
    LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

    About SGS
    SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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