Labels are small, but labelling errors can stop an entire shipment. US rules come from several agencies, and buyers will expect suppliers in Vietnam to get them right.
Mandatory label information
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Fibre content | Generic fibre names and percentages by weight (e.g. "60% Cotton, 40% Polyester") |
| Country of origin | "Made in Vietnam" — on a label in the neck or a conspicuous place for most tops |
| Manufacturer or dealer identity | Company name or registered RN number |
| Care instructions | Permanent care label describing washing, drying, ironing and bleaching |
Safety rules
- Flammability: clothing textiles must meet federal flammability standards; children's sleepwear has stricter rules.
- Children's apparel: lead limits for components (e.g. zippers, snaps), tracking labels and a Children's Product Certificate.
- Drawstrings on children's upper outerwear are restricted.
Forced labour and cotton traceability
Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, garments containing cotton from prohibited sources can be detained. Buyers increasingly ask for traceability from fibre to finished garment: yarn and fabric invoices, mill details and sometimes laboratory origin testing.
Supplier checklist
- Approve label artwork with the buyer before production.
- Keep fabric and trim test reports.
- Maintain a traceability file per purchase order.
- Check that origin on labels matches the commercial invoice.
Related: US customs compliance · garment DDP shipping.