Companies selling textile fiber products (clothing, bedding, towels, floor coverings, and other fabric items) in the United States
16 CFR Part 303 sets federal requirements for how textile fiber products must be labeled and advertised. These rules ensure that companies accurately disclose the fiber content, country of origin, and material composition of clothing, home textiles, and other fabric-based products sold to consumers.
Requirements
Labels must display fiber content using official generic fiber names in English with percentages
Fibers present in amounts less than 5% may be omitted or listed separately
Country of origin/manufacture must be disclosed on labels and in mail-order advertising
Abbreviations, ditto marks, asterisks, and misleading fiber names are prohibited
Misleading terms that imply fibers not actually present are forbidden
Why it matters
Non-compliance can result in FTC enforcement action, product seizure, and penalties; accurate labeling is required to sell textile products legally in the U.S. marketplace.
All articles of foreign origin entering the United States for sale or import
Every product imported from outside the United States must display a clear, readable label showing the English name of the country where it was made. This marking must be visible and legible on the article itself or its packaging.
Requirements
Country of origin must be marked in English
Marking must be legible and clearly visible
Applies to all foreign-origin articles unless an exemption applies
Marking should appear on the article or its packaging
Why it matters
If your TikTok Shop inventory includes imported products, failing to properly mark country of origin can result in customs violations, product seizure, or penalties when goods enter the U.S.
Importers and sellers of foreign-made products entering the United States
Every product made outside the United States that enters the country must have a clear, English-language label showing where it was made. If the law provides an exception, you may not need to mark it, but most products require this marking.
Requirements
Country of origin must be marked in legible English
Marking is required on every article of foreign origin, unless a legal exception applies
Additional product-specific labeling requirements may apply (e.g., fabric content for clothing, Surgeon General's Warning for tobacco, ingredient/instruction labels for food and pharmaceuticals)
Why it matters
Failure to properly mark country of origin can result in customs violations and delays at the border; verify your specific product category for additional labeling requirements to avoid compliance issues.
All importers and sellers bringing foreign-made products into the United States for sale
All products imported into the US must have a legible country-of-origin marking in English so that the final buyer knows where the product was made. The country of origin can change if the product undergoes substantial transformation in a second country (meaning it becomes a fundamentally different product with a new name, character, and use), or in specific cases under NAFTA or textile rules. The marking must be clear, large enough to read easily, and if other locations appear on the product, it must be placed near them to avoid confusion.
Requirements
All imported articles must be marked with the English name of the country of origin in legible, adequately sized lettering
If a different locality (city, region, facility name) appears on the product, "made in [country]" must appear nearby in comparable size to avoid confusion
"Assembled in [country]" is acceptable only when that country performed the final assembly; you may also list component origins
Country of origin can only change if substantial transformation occurs (new name, character, and use created) or under NAFTA/textile rules of origin
Why it matters
Failing to properly mark country of origin on imported products violates US Customs law and can result in product seizure, fines, or loss of import privileges; proper marking also builds consumer trust and prevents misleading claims about product origin.
Importers and sellers of goods subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) country of origin marking requirements
Country of origin markings on imported goods must be placed in a visible, conspicuous location that can be seen during normal handling without taking the item apart. You can use abbreviations or variant spellings of country names as long as they clearly identify the specific country—but spelling out the full country name is always safer to avoid confusion.
Requirements
Mark must be in a conspicuous place visible with casual handling
Marking cannot be covered, concealed, or hidden by attachments or when disassembling the item
Abbreviations (e.g., "Gt. Britain") and variant spellings (e.g., "Brasil") are acceptable if they clearly identify the country
Do not use ambiguous abbreviations like "E.C." or "E.U."—always use the individual country name instead
Full country name spelling is preferred to minimize confusion
Why it matters
Improper or unclear country of origin marking can result in CBP delays, penalties, or refusal of entry for your shipments into the U.S.
Importers and suppliers shipping products to the United States
Country of origin marking must be clearly visible and permanently attached to imported products in a way that survives normal handling and shipping. The marking should ideally be part of the product itself (like stamping or molding) and must stay legible and in place until the item reaches the customer, unless it's deliberately removed.
Requirements
Preferred methods: branding, stenciling, stamping, printing, or molding directly into the article
If using tags, they must be securely attached in a conspicuous place and remain on the product unless deliberately removed
Adhesive labels are discouraged because they often fail during shipping and weather exposure
Abbreviations and variant spellings of country names are acceptable if they clearly identify the origin country
Why it matters
Improper marking can result in costly re-marking expenses and regulatory violations at U.S. Customs, delaying shipments and increasing import costs.
US importers combining articles while maintaining separate country-of-origin identities
When you import an article that will be combined with another article in the US while keeping its own identity, you must mark it with the article name and country of origin (e.g., "Widget made in China"). Tags and labels must stay attached and visible until the product reaches the customer.
Requirements
Mark combined articles with "(Name) made in (country)"
Tags must be attached in a conspicuous place and secured so they remain until reaching the final buyer
Adhesive labels are permitted but not recommended due to risk of loosening
If labels fall off, the importer bears the cost of remarking the merchandise
Why it matters
Failure to properly mark combined articles or using unreliable marking methods can result in costly remarking expenses and potential CBP compliance issues.
Importers bringing filled and empty containers into the United States for retail sale
Imported containers must be marked with the country of origin of their contents. Usual containers (those that reach consumers with contents already inside) don't need to be marked with their own origin, but unusual containers (like decorative vases that have value after contents are used) must be marked to show both the container's origin and the contents' origin.
Requirements
Containers imported filled must show country of origin of contents on the container itself, unless contents are already marked and the container can be easily opened for inspection
Usual containers imported empty don't need individual marking if they arrive in a marked carton
Unusual containers (decorative items, reusable goods) must be marked with their own country of origin in addition to contents origin
Adhesive labels are permitted but not recommended—they can loosen and require costly remarking
Why it matters
Failure to properly mark containers can result in expensive remarking costs and potential CBP enforcement action at the border.
Importers and manufacturers of watches, clocks, watch movements, clock movements, watch cases, clock cases, and watchbands entering the US market
Watches and clocks imported into the US must have specific country of origin and manufacturer information marked directly on the movement and case components using permanent marking methods. The dial face or back of the watch/clock must also clearly display the country of origin, and watchbands must be marked with their country of manufacture unless assembled in the country where the watch was produced.
Requirements
Watch movements: mark bridges or top plates with country of manufacture, manufacturer/purchaser name, and number of jewels (if serving mechanical purpose)
Clock movements: mark front or back plate with country of manufacture, manufacturer/purchaser name, and number of jewels
Watch cases: mark inside or outside of back with country of manufacture and manufacturer/purchaser name
Clock cases: mark outside back with country of manufacture
All movements and cases must use permanent marking methods (cutting, engraving, stamping, or mold-marking)
Dial face or watch/clock back must show country of origin conspicuously; watchbands must show country of manufacture
Electronic display watches/clocks and their cases are exempt from these special requirements
Why it matters
Who this applies to
Importers of knives, forks, scissors, surgical/dental/laboratory instruments, hand tools, pipes, compressed gas cylinders, manhole covers, and clock movements/cases entering the U.S.
U.S. Customs requires certain metal tools, instruments, and products to be permanently marked with their country of origin using specific methods like stamping, engraving, or welding. The marking must be legible, conspicuous, and applied directly to the article itself, not just on packaging.
Requirements
Country of origin must be marked using die-stamping, cast-in-mold lettering, etching, engraving, or securely attached metal plates
Marking must be legible and conspicuous (clearly visible)
For pipes and fittings: die-stamping, etching, engraving, paint stenciling, or equally permanent methods (tagging bundles allowed for small-diameter pipe)
For compressed gas cylinders: die-stamping, molding, etching, raised lettering, or equally permanent methods
For clocks: cases must be marked on the most visible part of the outside back
Why it matters
Failure to properly mark imported goods with country of origin can result in CBP detention, seizure, or refusal of entry at the U.S. border, delaying or preventing your inventory from reaching customers.
Importers and TikTok Shop sellers importing articles into the United States; applies to all product categories unless specifically listed as exempt or meeting one of the general exemption conditions
Certain articles imported into the United States are exempt from country-of-origin marking requirements under specific circumstances. These exemptions apply when marking is impossible, impractical, or unnecessary—such as when the container already shows the origin, the item will be processed in a way that hides any marking, or the buyer would know the origin anyway. A lengthy list of specific product categories (like buttons, eggs, lumber, and cigars) are also automatically exempt from marking.
Requirements
Articles that cannot be marked without damage, at prohibitive cost, or before shipment do not require marking
Items that will be processed so marking is hidden, or where the buyer must reasonably know the origin, are exempt
A specified list of product categories (art, buttons, chemicals, cigars, eggs, leather, lumber, metals, and many others) do not require country-of-origin marking
If a marked container reaches the buyer unopened, the container marking satisfies the requirement
Why it matters
If you import products that fall into exempt categories or meet exemption conditions, you avoid marking costs and compliance delays; failure to understand these exemptions could lead to unnecessary marking expenses or CBP enforcement action on non-exempt items.
Importers and TikTok Shop sellers who repack U.S.-imported articles in new containers before sale to consumers (unless the repacker is the final buyer)
If you repack imported products in the U.S. for resale, you must either preserve the original country-of-origin marking or properly mark the new container with the country of origin—and you must inform any other buyers or repackers in writing about these marking obligations.
Requirements
Do not obscure or conceal the original country-of-origin marking when repacking
Ensure new containers are properly marked with country of origin
Certify in writing your compliance with these marking requirements
If selling repacked goods to another buyer/repacker, notify them in writing of all marking requirements
Why it matters
Failure to comply with country-of-origin marking and certification requirements can result in additional duties and penalties from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Importers and resellers of goods into the United States, particularly those who repack or relabel imported products
Imported goods must be marked in English with their country of origin when entering the U.S., or they face additional duties. If you intentionally remove, alter, or hide a country of origin marking, you can face criminal prosecution. If you repack imported goods into new containers, you must either keep the original marking visible or clearly mark the new container with the country of origin.
Requirements
Imported articles must display the English name of their country of origin at time of import, or face additional duties
Do not remove, alter, cover, or obscure country of origin markings with intent to conceal—this is a criminal offense
If repacking goods into new containers, either preserve the original country of origin marking or ensure the new container is properly marked
Why it matters
Failure to comply results in additional import duties, potential criminal penalties, and entry seizure or destruction by CBP.
TikTok Shop sellers and importers bringing products into the United States
Imported products sold in the US must be clearly marked with their country of origin in English at the time they enter the country. If they are not properly marked, they face additional duties and penalties unless you get CBP approval to mark, export, or destroy them before the shipment is finalized.
Requirements
Products must display the English name of their country of origin at time of US importation
Unmarked items are subject to additional duties
You can avoid penalties by properly marking, exporting, or destroying items under CBP supervision before entry is liquidated
Intentionally removing, altering, or concealing origin markings can result in criminal prosecution
Why it matters
Failure to comply can result in unexpected duties, shipment delays, or criminal liability—making it critical to verify country of origin markings are correct before importing inventory.
Sellers of food and beverage products on TikTok Shop
Products in certain categories must display expiration dates, and they can't be shipped to customers if they are nearing that expiration date. This rule ensures that customers receive products that are fresh and safe to use.
Requirements
Products must have expiration date labels.
Products must have sufficient shelf life remaining before shipping.
Certain categories are specifically required to follow these rules.
Why it matters
Non-compliance can lead to customer dissatisfaction and potential removal of listings.
All sellers of food, beverages, and dietary supplements for human or animal consumption.
All food, beverage, and dietary supplement products must clearly display expiration dates. You must ensure that products sent to customers have sufficient shelf life remaining before the expiration date.
Requirements
Products must have expiration date labeling.
Items shipped must have enough shelf life left before they expire.
Why it matters
Failure to comply can result in product returns or customer dissatisfaction.
Sellers of beauty and personal care products, medical devices, food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet supplies.
If your product has an expiration date or a shelf life indicator, you must label it correctly. This applies to various products including beauty supplies and pet supplies. You also need to show a clear image of the expiration date on the product label when required.
Requirements
Label products with expiration dates or shelf life clearly.
Submit an image showing the expiration date for medical devices or supplies.
Ensure compliance for all relevant products listed on TikTok Shop.
Why it matters
Correct labeling helps ensure product safety and compliance with TikTok Shop policies, minimizing the risk of removal or penalties.
Beauty and personal care product sellers (cosmetics, topical beauty products) and sellers of medical devices/supplies (masks, PPE, glucose monitors, control solutions) listing products with expiration dates, "best before" dates, manufacturing dates, or shelf life information
Beauty and personal care products, as well as medical devices and supplies, must follow specific rules for labeling expiration dates, "best before" dates, manufacturing dates, or shelf life information. Sellers must be able to show clear product labels that display this date information. If you're selling through Fulfilled by TikTok, additional packaging requirements also apply.
Requirements
Products with expiration or "best before" dates must be labeled with that information
Manufacturing dates or shelf life information must be clearly displayed on product labels
Sellers must provide an image of the product label clearly showing the date information
FBT (Fulfilled by TikTok) orders follow additional packaging requirements
Why it matters
Clear expiration date labeling protects buyer safety, helps you avoid selling expired products, and ensures compliance with TikTok's requirements—violations could result in listing removal or account issues.
All TikTok Shop sellers listing beauty and personal care products
Sellers cannot sell or ship beauty and personal care products past their expiration date or 'best before' date. Products older than 3 years cannot be sold, and those received by customers should have at least 365 days of shelf life remaining. If a product has less than 365 days of shelf life, sellers must inform customers before purchase.
Requirements
Products must not be sold after the expiration or 'best before' date.
Products older than 3 years cannot be sold.
Products should have at least 365 days of shelf life upon delivery.
If less than 365 days remain, sellers must disclose this information in the listing.
Why it matters
Selling outdated products can lead to customer dissatisfaction and regulatory penalties.
All TikTok Shop sellers offering products with expiration dates
This rule outlines how to properly label expiration dates and ensure products sold are safe for consumers. It specifies formats for expiration dates and signages required for packaging, along with conditions related to the shelf life of products.
Requirements
Expiration dates must be in MM/DD/YYYY or MM/YYYY format.
Medical devices must use YYYY-MM-DD format.
Expiration dates must not cover other label information.
Products over 3 years old cannot be sold; at least 365 days of shelf life required upon delivery.
Why it matters
Non-compliance could lead to issues with product returns and customer trust.
All sellers offering products with expiration dates or shelf life information.
This rule prevents sellers from misleading customers with incorrect product dates. It prohibits selling outdated products and requires clear labeling of expiration dates on all packaging.
Requirements
Do not sell old stock with outdated dates.
Do not alter or falsify product dates on packaging.
Clearly display expiration dates that do not overlap with other information.
Expiration dates must be on both outer packaging and individual items.
Why it matters
Non-compliance can lead to customer dissatisfaction and potential removal from the platform.
All TikTok Shop sellers listing dietary supplements, personal care products, beauty products, and medical devices.
This rule outlines the enforcement actions that TikTok may take if sellers do not comply with expiration date labeling and shelf life requirements. Violations can lead to point deductions in the seller's Account Health Rating and other penalties.
Requirements
Points may be deducted from your Account Health Rating.
Your product listings can be removed.
You may lose access to offer products.
Refunds may be issued to customers.
Why it matters
Failure to comply can impact your seller performance and ability to sell on TikTok.
Sellers and merchants offering textile products for sale, including clothing, home textiles, and other fiber-based goods.
The Textile Fiber Products Identification Rule requires that textile products be labeled with accurate information about their fiber content and composition. This rule ensures consumers can make informed purchasing decisions about the textiles they buy.
Requirements
Fiber content must be accurately disclosed on product labels
Labels must be clear, conspicuous, and not deceptive
Products must comply with FTC textile identification standards
Misrepresenting fiber content is prohibited
Why it matters
Violations can result in FTC enforcement action, product recalls, fines, and damage to your seller reputation if customers discover false or misleading textile claims.
Failure to comply with these marking requirements can result in CBP detention, delayed customs clearance, or refusal of entry for your watch and clock products into the US market.
