Footwear (Indication Of Composition) Labelling Regulations 1995

• What does it apply to?
• What are the labelling requirements?
• How can it be labelled?
• What are the pictograms?
• Who does it apply to?
• Where is the footwear labelled?

What does it apply to?

These Regulations apply to footwear sold or offered for sale to consumers.
The Regulations cover nearly all footwear which can be described as "articles with applied soles designed to protect or cover the foot". As a general rule it covers all footwear except:

1. Second-hand, worn footwear,
2. Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. toe tectors)
3. Footwear containing asbestos,
4. Footwear intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age (e.g. plastic roller skates),
5. Any footwear invoiced or delivered to a retailer before 23rd March 1996 (a transitional period exists until 23rd September 1997 when the regulations come into force).

What are the labelling requirements?

The labelling shall provide information as to the material which constitutes at least 80% of the;

1. surface of the upper,
2. surface area of lining and sock,
3. volume of the outer sole

Where no one material constitutes at least 80% of the surface area or volume, as the case may be, information shall be given to the main materials used in the composition of the footwear.

How can it be labelled?

The information in (2) can be displayed by pictogram or by written indication (must be in English).

What are the pictograms?

For indicating the part of the footwear to be identified:

Upper

Lining and Sock

Outer Sole

For indicating materials used in the composition of the footwear:

Leather

Coated leather

Natural textile materials and synthetic or non woven textile materials

All other materials

Who does it apply to?

Retailers obligations

1. No retailer shall supply footwear unless it is labelled in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations.
2. Any retailer who supplies footwear labelled by way of a pictogram from premises to which consumers are admitted shall ensure that a notice containing a written indication of the meaning of the pictograms is displayed in a conspicuous part of the premises.
3. Any retailer who supplies footwear labelled by way of a pictogram from premises other than that to which consumers are admitted shall ensure that consumers are informed of the meaning of any pictogram shown on the labelling of any footwear he supplies.

Where is the footwear labelled?

The labelling should be affixed to at least one article of footwear in each pair and be affixed by way of printing, sticking, embossing or use of an attached label; and shall be visible, securely attached and accessible.

The labelling must not be misleading.

Contact Information
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