What an RN does
US textile labels must identify the manufacturer, importer or another firm marketing, distributing or handling the product. The label can use the business name, or it can use an RN issued and registered by the FTC. The prefix RN is part of the number and should appear before the digits.
For small makers, the main benefit is space. A narrow clothing label may fit RN 123456 more easily than a long legal business name. Buyers and authorities can look up the RN in the FTC database to identify the company.
- RN means Registered Identification Number.
- It can replace the business name on US textile labels.
- It does not replace fiber content, origin or care instructions.
Who can get an RN
The FTC issues RNs to firms in the United States that manufacture, import, market, distribute or otherwise handle textile, wool or fur products. RNs are not issued to businesses outside the US. One company can use a single RN for textile, wool and fur labelling.
An RN is not required to do business in the US. If you do not have one, use the full business name that appears on business documents such as invoices and purchase orders. Do not use only a trademark, label name or designer nickname unless that is also the business name.
What an RN does not do
An RN is not a licence to sell textiles and it is not a certification that your fiber content, origin claim or care instructions are correct. It only identifies the business responsible for the product in the label chain.
You still need accurate fiber percentages, country-of-origin wording and care labels where required. If the product contains wool, cashmere, fur or other special materials, separate label rules may apply.
When an RN is useful
An RN is useful when label space is tight, when you sell under several brand names, or when retailers prefer a standard identification number. It can also make recordkeeping simpler when products move through wholesalers or private-label arrangements.
If you sell only a few handmade garments directly to local customers, using your business name may be enough. The decision is practical: will an RN make labels clearer and more consistent, and are you able to keep the FTC registration current?
Private label and relabelling caution
If an importer, distributor or retailer replaces another company's label with its own label, the replacement label must still include the required information. Removing a label with fiber, origin or identity information and replacing it with an incomplete brand tag can violate the textile rules.
For indie makers doing wholesale or boutique collaborations, decide whose name or RN appears on the label before production. Put the responsibility in the purchase order or production agreement, especially if the retailer wants its own brand name sewn in.
Keep the label record clean
Keep a file showing which RN or business name appears on each product style, plus the fiber content, country of origin and care instruction. If your RN details change, update them with the FTC and update labels when needed.
Do not borrow another company's RN or let another business use yours casually. RNs are not transferable or assignable. The label should identify the business that actually fits the rule for that product.
Frequently asked questions
Is an RN required on US textile labels?
No. You may use the full business name instead. An RN is optional but often saves space.
Can a non-US business get an RN?
The FTC says RNs are issued to firms in the US and are not issued to businesses outside the US.
Does an RN replace country of origin?
No. It only identifies the business. Country of origin and fiber content still need to be disclosed where required.
Can I use my brand name instead of my company name?
Only if that is the full name under which the company does business. A decorative brand name alone may not satisfy the identity requirement.
Can one company have multiple RNs?
The FTC assigns one RN to a company. A single RN can be used for textile, wool and fur products.