NOM-004-SE-2021: Your Essential Guide to Complying with Textile Regulations
The Norma Oficial Mexicana (Mexican Official Standard) NOM-004-SE-2021 governs the labeling of textile products, clothing, home textiles, and accessories. This recently updated regulation oversees the commercial information on labeling for textile products, home textiles, fabric accessories, and garments made from natural and/or chemical fibers.
Understanding NOM-004-SE-2021
Composition: Clearly and visibly indicating the product composition, including the percentage of each fiber type, is mandated by this standard.
Origin: The product’s origin must be clearly and visibly indicated, encompassing the country of origin of the fibers, the country of origin of the finished product, and the manufacturing country.
Care Instructions: Care instructions for the product must be clearly and visibly indicated, including washing, drying, ironing, and storage instructions.
Trademarks: Factory and commercial trademarks must be clearly and visibly indicated.
Key Changes Introduced by NOM-004-SE-2021 compared to NOM-004-SCFI-2006
NOM-004-SE-2021 introduces several changes compared to NOM-004-SCFI-2006:
- Introduction of the concept of “recycled fibers.”
- Requirement to indicate the percentage of recycled fibers in products containing them.
- Mandatory disclosure of the country of origin for fibers, finished products, and manufacturing.
- Mandatory provision of washing, drying, ironing, and storage instructions.
- Prohibition of the use of misleading legends or images that deceive consumers.
FAQs about NOM-004-SE-2021
When does NOM-004-SE-2021 take effect? NOM-004-SE-2021 came into effect on January 14, 2023.
Which products are subject to NOM-004-SE-2021? Products subject to compliance include textiles, home textiles, fabric accessories, and garments made from natural and/or chemical fibers, whether domestically produced or imported.
What information should a product label contain according to the Norma Oficial Mexicana (Mexican Official Standard)? The label should include care instructions for maintenance and cleaning. It must be in Spanish, truthful, accurately describing the product without misleading characteristics. It should contain the trademark, input description, size, care instructions, country of origin, and product responsibility.
Does NOM-004 apply to all textile products or are there exceptions? The standard applies to textile products, clothing, accessories, and home textiles with a textile composition equal to or exceeding 50%. There are exceptions, such as electric blankets, disposable diapers, textile toys, among others, detailed in the regulations.
What if a product does not comply with NOM-004-SE-2021? Failure to comply with NOM-004 may result in sanctions by the relevant authorities, including fines, suspension of product marketing, or even product withdrawal from the market. Remember, this can be avoided.
Ensuring Compliance with NOM-004-SE-2021
To assess compliance with NOM-004-SE-2021, you can engage an accreditation body certified by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA). Accredited certification bodies have the capability to conduct necessary assessments to verify compliance with the standard.
Upon compliance, the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity or Compliance Report follows, as applicable. You can learn more about the difference between each certificate in this article.
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