Ecuador to Amend Labeling Requirements for Garments and Footwear Products

HONG KONG, China - March 27, 2014 - PRLog -- The Mandatory First Review Technical Regulation Ecuadorian RTE INEN 013 “Labeling of Clothing, Household Linen and Clothing” is being adopted and formalized, and will replace the previous version of RTE INEN 013:2006.

Apparel and Footwear Labeling Inspection Program

RTE INEN 013:2006 has been revised and split into 2 different regulations as listed below:

- RTE INEN 013:2013 – Labeling of Clothing, Household Linen and Clothing (1)

- RTE INEN 080:2013 – Labeling of Footwear (2)

A certificate of conformity/inspection is required in order to demonstrate compliance to the Ecuadorian Technical Regulations. The inspection and conformity assessment must be performed by a certification body accredited by the Ecuadorian Accreditation Organization (OAE) and must be performed on the products destined for Ecuador only.

General Labeling Requirements

The information presented on labels must be expressed in Spanish (other languages without prejudice also can be used). The required information must be on a permanently attached label and must be visible, indelible and easily accessible to the consumer. The information may be placed on one or more permanent labels.

Labeling Requirements for Household Linen, Clothing and Garments

The information required for Technical Labeling must be consistent with the provisions of NTE INEN 1875 - “Textile. Clothing. Requirements”, including the below minimum information:

- Size code for garments and clothing accessories (e.g. Small, Medium or Large) (No unique size e.g. “one fits all” are admissible)

- Dimensions for household linen, (in cm or m)

- Percentage of textile fibers and/or leather used,

- Trade name and tax identification number (RUC) of the manufacturer or importer (Only importer is acceptable in case of imported products),

- Country of origin,

- Care and maintenance instructions.

Labeling Requirements for Footwear Products

The permanent label must contain the following minimum information:

- Materials used in the manufacture of the four parts of footwear: uppers, lining, insole and sole

- Trade name and tax identification (RUC) of the manufacturer or importer

- Country of origin

Materials used in the manufacture of the four component parts of the footwear must be expressed by using text, pictograms or both. The permanent label must indicate the material that constitutes at least 80% measured from the uppers, lining and insole, and at least 80% of volume of the shoe sole. The size must be legible and visible, and placed on the product in the place where the manufacturer deems appropriate. For footwear without lining, the label should state: “unlined”. When the design of shoes or the material does not allow stamping, sewing, stenciling or printing to record the required labeling information, it should be incorporated on a label firmly attached to the shoe. The terms leather and its derivatives should not be used to identify materials that do not come from animal skin. The permanent label must appear on both units in the pair of footwear.

References:

(1) RTE INEN 013:2013 (Spanish) (http://www.normalizacion.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downlo...)

(2) RTE INEN 080:2013 (Spanish) (http://www.normalizacion.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downlo...)

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