What US law requires on an apparel label
Two federal rules govern most garment labels sold in the United States. Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, the label must show the fibre content by percentage, the country of origin, and the name or registered identification number (RN) of the company responsible for the product. Separately, the FTC Care Labeling Rule requires a care instruction that covers washing or dry cleaning.
Country of origin for a garment made here is "Made in Pakistan", and it has to appear on a label at the inside centre back neck, where a buyer can see it. Fibre content and care can sit on a side seam label.
An RN is optional: you may use your company's full legal name instead. Many brands apply for an RN because it is shorter and keeps a trading name off the garment. It is issued by the FTC and is free.
Duty
Apparel is one of the more heavily tariffed categories entering the US. The rate depends on the garment, whether it is knitted or woven, and the fibre: cotton knits, synthetic knits and wool garments all fall under different headings in the tariff schedule. Rates vary widely, so look your product up in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule or ask a customs broker before you price the range. Duty is normally assessed on the value of the goods, which is why an FOB and a DDP quote are not comparable until you add it in. The Incoterms guide explains which costs sit on each side.
Shipping from Sialkot
Small and urgent orders travel by air courier and arrive within days. Larger orders go by sea to a US port, which takes substantially longer and costs far less per piece. Most brands sample by air and ship bulk by sea. Build the transit time into your launch date with the production time estimator.
Sizing for US customers
US customers expect US sizing, and US sizing runs larger than European equivalents for the same label. If you are selling the same garment in the US and Europe, either grade two size sets or publish a measurement chart and label both systems. The size converter shows the offsets, and the size chart generator builds the chart to publish.
What we need from you
Your label artwork with fibre content and RN or company name, your care instructions, your size chart, and the Incoterm you want quoted. We print and attach the labels as part of production. You remain responsible for the accuracy of the claims on your label.
Cartons labelled and packed for export from Sialkot
Questions buyers ask
Do I need an RN number to sell clothing in the US?
No. You can print your company's full legal name instead. An RN is a free FTC-issued alternative that many brands use because it is shorter.
Where does the country of origin label go?
On a label at the inside centre back neck, where a buyer can see it before purchase. Fibre content and care can go on a side seam label.
How much is import duty on clothing into the US?
It depends on the garment, construction and fibre. Look your product up in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule or ask a customs broker; apparel rates vary widely.
Can you ship directly to a US fulfilment centre?
Yes, on DDP terms the goods are delivered to the address you give us. Tell us any carton labelling or appointment rules your warehouse requires.