U.S. Textile Import Planning: Labels, Documents and Product Review
Updated
Prepare a textile import review with product details, label artwork and documentation. Includes official FTC and CPSC resources for the U.S. market.
For a U.S.-bound textile project, start by identifying the exact product, fiber composition, intended user, labeling artwork and party responsible for import review. Confirm requirements before approving production. This checklist helps organize that review; it does not determine whether a particular product complies with U.S. rules.
Define the product before reviewing requirements
Document the intended use and age group, materials, construction, trims, decoration and packaging. Share the same specification with the parties reviewing labeling, product safety and import arrangements. A description such as “cotton clothing” leaves important details unresolved.
Review textile labels and care instructions separately
The FTC explains that most covered textile and wool products need labels identifying fiber content, country of origin and the responsible business. Scope and exceptions matter. Use the FTC textile and wool labeling guide when reviewing your product.
Care instructions have their own rules. The FTC care labeling guidance explains coverage and permits specified ASTM care symbols in place of words when the rule's conditions are met. Do not assume that every international symbol set is acceptable.
Keep a dated approval of the final label artwork, its placement and the supporting product information. Confirm the requirements for the specific item before labels are printed.
Identify the product safety review needed
Use the CPSC clothing business guidance as a starting point for the applicable clothing rules. Intended use, age group and construction can affect the review. Ask the appropriate specialist which testing, certificates or other documentation applies; a broad material description does not establish an exemption.
Assemble the order information
Prepare the approved specification, product description, quantity, value, carton details, proposed route and destination. Confirm with the responsible import professional which documents and classification review are required for the shipment. Record who will prepare and approve each document.
Keep sample approval and document approval distinct. A sample can confirm appearance and construction without resolving all requirements for selling or importing that product.
Agree commercial responsibilities
The product proposal should identify what is included in the price, the delivery basis, the relevant parties and any items still awaiting confirmation. Sourcing projects can start now, with the contracting and invoicing company in France or China identified in the quotation. Import review and delivery responsibilities will be agreed per order.
For the product brief, see clothing and textile sourcing and the China sourcing RFQ checklist.
Official guidance checked on September 7, 2026. Recheck the linked authorities for the product and shipment date.
Once the compliance questions are mapped, clothing and textile sourcing explains how the specification and sampling are agreed before production.