NEWSLETTERS

The Textile and Wool Labeling Acts - Exempt Textile Products

The following products are specifically exempt from the labeling requirements of the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (Textile Act) and its accompanying rules:

* upholstery and mattress stuffing (unless it is reused, in which case, the label must say that it contains reused stuffing);

* outer coverings of upholstered furniture, mattresses, and box springs;

* linings, interlinings, filling, and padding used for structural purposes; however, if they are used for warmth, the fiber must be disclosed, and if any statement about the fiber content of linings, interlinings, filling, or padding is made, they are no longer exempt;

* stiffenings, trimmings, facings, and interfacings;

* backings of carpets and rugs, and paddings or cushions to be used under carpets, rugs, or other floor coverings;

* sewing and handicraft threads;

* bandages, surgical dressings, and other products subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;

* waste materials not used in a textile product;

* shoes, overshoes, boots, slippers, and all outer footwear; however, socks and hosiery are covered by the Textile Act, and slippers made of wool are covered by the Wool Rules;

* headwear, such as hats, caps, or anything worn exclusively on the head; however, a wool hat is covered by the Wool Rules; and

* textiles used in: handbags or luggage, brushes, lampshades, toys, feminine hygiene products, adhesive tapes and adhesive sheets, cleaning cloths impregnated with chemicals, or diapers.

Other Exempt Textile Products

Products that are not specifically mentioned in the Textile Act or its accompanying rules are exempt from the labeling requirements. Such products include:

* auto seat cushions;

* awnings;

* baby equipment, such as seats, carriers, carriages, strollers, and harnesses;

* bags, such as net bags, tote bags, and bags for laundry, diapers, cosmetics, and sports gear;

* beach or patio umbrellas;

* burial shrouds;

* chair seats for lawn chairs;

* coasters for glasses;

* cosmetic masks and travel kits;

* coverings used in churches;

* covers for household items (other than furniture and ironing boards), such as birdcages, irons, toasters, mixers, toilet tanks and lids, and tissue boxes;

* covers for sports equipment, such as golf clubs and skis;

* cummerbunds;

* decorations;

* dog coats and other pet clothing;

* drapery pleater tapes;

* dress shields;

* eyeglass cases;

* filters (all types);

* flowers made of fabric;

* hosiery hampers;

* hangers padded with fabric;

* hot pads;

* industrial wiping cloths;

* inked ribbons for typewriters;

* knapsacks and backpacks;

* life preservers and jackets;

* mops and mop covers;

* notebook covers;

* novelty items;

* oven mitts;

* pads for sports equipment, such as toboggans;

* powder puffs;

* saddle blankets and camel saddles;

* sports protectors (for elbow, knee, chest, etc.);

* sweatbands;

* tea cozies;

* tents;

* twine;

* Venetian blind tapes;

* wall coverings;

* wall decorations;

* wigs; and

* window shades and shade pulls.

Identification of Exempt Textile Products

Textile products that are intended for uses not covered by the Textile Act should be accompanied by an invoice or other piece of paper stating that they are not intended for uses subject to the Textile Act.

Copyright 2008 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.