The legalities of labeling

I notice the Federal Trade Commission has prepared a document entitled _Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts_ regarding labeling requirements for sewn product manufacturers in cooperation with the American Apparel Manufacturer's Assoc. There's a pdf version if you prefer to print it out for offline reading.

I recommend that DEs file for an RN number; there are no fees to get one. To file an application for an RN number, you can either use the print form or use the secure online filing procedure . Similarly, if you'd like to know the manufacturer behind a given label, you can search for it here. This is a free service open to consumers and businesses alike.

One final note (pasted)
When a textile or wool product is advertised in a catalog or other mail order promotional material, either printed or disseminated on the Internet, the description must include a clear and conspicuous statement that the item was either "made in U.S.A.," "imported," or "made in U.S.A. and [or] imported." Of course, catalog information about origin must be consistent with the information on the label. (See Country of origin in mail order advertising.)

This means that those who fail to disclose the country of origin (country of manufacture) within the advertising and catalog guidelines are in violation of the FTC regulations. While it's highly unlikely that a manufacturer who fails to disclose their products are "made in the USA" are subject to sanction, failing to disclose off-shore production origin can constitute unfair trade practices.