Consumers provided more information via more descriptive Mexican textile labeling rules

Although, in recent years, the Mexican textile industry has faced stiff competition from Far East producers, (mainly those of Chinese origin), it is still a highly viable economic sector. Hence, it “should be given priority,” according to Sergio Lopez de la Cerda, president of the National Chamber of Apparel Industry (CANAIVE).

Textile production in Mexico is comprised of natural, synthetic and artificial fibers, as well as ready to wear apparel. According to the industry website, fibre2fashion.com, “The Mexican textile industry, including clothing and accessories, trade surplus is expected to double this year to 8 billion pesos (approximately US $601,000,000) from the existing 4 billion pesos.

In light of this industry resurgence Mexican textile labeling rules and requirements for manufacturers have been made subject to change.

The new Mexican textile labeling rules primarily concern garments, garment accessories, and textile products with over half of the weight of the ingredients being from textiles. The extensive rules and revisions apply to numerous products, but the provisions specifically exempt some products such as fabric toys, furniture, badges, flags, zippers, buttons, buckles, gloves, and cosmetic bags, for example.

Essentially, the new Mexican textile labeling rules primarily make it mandatory that garments and accessories must display clear and permanent labels on conspicuous places, such as the waist or on collars. Included on these labels must be the appropriate brand name, information on fiber content, size or dimensions of the garment, maintenance instructions, the manufacturer or importer name and address, and the product’s country of origin. Home textile products may list dimensions of the product rather than the size, as would be applicable for garments. It is required that all labeling text must be in the Spanish language.

Mexican textile labeling rules applies to finished products ready to be shipped to consumer markets, but if the product needs to be exported before final modifications, the items must at least include a tag or temporary label with the required information, whether on the packaging or on the product, itself. Examples of items requiring permanent labels include: sheets, blankets, bedspreads, table cloths, place mats, cloth napkins, finished curtains, towels, and mattresses containing textile materials. Temporary tags or labeling on packaging is acceptable for all disposable items.

As of the beginning of 2014, the Mexican textile industry is comprised of over ninety-five thousand firms that employ close to eight hundred thousand workers.