Mexico Updates Labeling Requirements for Textile Products, Clothing, Accessories and Household Linen

Mexican Standard NOM-004-SE-2021, which comes in effect on January 15, 2023, establishes the commercial information required for labeling and is applicable to textile products, clothing, accessories and household linens, whose textile composition is equal to or greater than 50% in relation to its mass. All products within scope that are intended for consumers and are marketed within the territory of the United Mexican States should comply with this new standard, even if they contain plastics or other materials. This new standard supersedes NOM-0040SCFI-2006.

Garments, their accessories and household linens must display the following information legibly, on one or more permanent labels placed at the bottom of the neck or waist, or in any other visible place, according to the characteristics of the garment. QR codes may be used on labels. The details required are:

1. Trademark
2. Description of materials (percentage by mass in order of predominance, in accordance with the provisions of Mexican Standards NMX-A-2076-INNTEX-2013 and NMX-A-6938-INNTEX-2013). Normative references must be with Arabic numerals from 1 to 100
3. Size, for garments and accessories, or measurements for household linens
4. Care instructions
5. Country of origin
6. Responsible person for the product (must be presented on any of the permanent or temporary labels or on its closed packaging): 

• For locally produced products – manufacturer’s name, business address and RFC (federal taxpayers register). In the case of international trademarks, it may be the licensee
• For imported products – importer’s name, business address and RFC

There are similar but slightly different labeling requirements for other textile products in this new standard.

All commercial information required by the Standard must be presented in Spanish (notwithstanding that it may also be presented in any other language), be truthful, be described and presented in such a way that it does not mislead with respect to the nature and characteristics of the product. 

When the product is marketed in closed packaging that does not allow the content to be seen, the packaging must indicate the name of the product and the quantity of products contained. When garments are marketed as pairs made of the same material, the label may be present on only one of the items.

In the description of materials, the generic fiber names must be used in accordance with Mexican Standards NMX-A-2076-INNTEX-2013 and NMX-A-6938-INNTEX-2013. Any use of abbreviations or names other than those indicated in the Standards is not acceptable. Any fiber present in a percentage of less than 5% of the total may be designated as “others” or “other fibers.” When recovered or recycled fibers, or mixtures of these with other virgin fibers are used, the percentages and generic names of each of the fibers must be indicated by stating “recovered” or “recycled” before the generic fiber name.

When a product has been manufactured in one country with materials from other countries, the legend “Made in … (manufacturing country) with imported inputs” must be used, and the origin of the inputs used may be added voluntarily. It is acceptable to use abbreviations for the United States of America as EUA, USA, EE.UU., in uppercase or lowercase, with periods or without periods. For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, GBR or United Kingdom can be used.

For detailed information, please refer to the Official Mexican Standard NOM-004-SE-2021.

SGS Global Softlines has an extensive network of over 40 laboratories worldwide, with a strong team of committed professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. Our internationally accredited state-of-the-art testing laboratories offer a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. We help your company ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Discover more at www.sgs.com/softlines.

For inquiries, please contact:

Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
t: +1 973 461 7919

^{© SGS Société Générale de surveillance SA - 2022 - All rights reserved - SGS is a registered trademark of SGS Société Générale de surveillance SA. This is a publication of SGS, except for 3rd parties’ contents submitted or licensed for use by SGS. SGS neither endorses nor disapproves said 3rd parties contents. This publication is intended to provide technical information and shall not be considered an exhaustive treatment of any subject treated. It is strictly educational and does not replace any legal requirements or applicable regulations. It is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice. The information contained herein is provided “as is” and SGS does not warrant that it will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. Do not quote or refer any information herein without SGS’s prior written consent.}