In most cases, yes. The FTC's guidance on the Textile Act says that for packaged products such as T-shirts, the required information must be on each item in the package and on the package. The required information is the fibre content, the country of origin, and the name or RN of the manufacturer or a business that markets or handles the product. The guidance adds that if the package is transparent and consumers can read the labels without opening it, the package does not need its own label.

Why it matters for printed boxes

A printed box hides the garment labels, so shoppers cannot see the fibre content or origin before buying. Put the required information on the box in clear type. The fibre content must use generic fibre names and percentages in order of weight, and all parts of the fibre information must be equally conspicuous.

Mail order packs

The same guidance says the package requirement does not apply to items packaged solely for mail order shipment. If your packs are sold only online, your product page must still disclose the fibre content and whether the product is made in the USA, imported or both. If the same pack also goes to stores, label the package.

Mixed packs

If the pack holds items with different fibre content, for example a white cotton shirt and a heather blend, show the fibre content for each item clearly on the package. Each garment also keeps its own label.

Care information

The FTC Care Labeling Rule requires permanent care labels on the garments themselves. Many brands also print care instructions on the box, but that does not replace the garment label.

Practical checks

Check that the information on the box matches the garment labels exactly, especially when the same box is used for different colours or blends. Keep packaging artwork under version control and approve a printed sample with the actual garments before bulk printing.

If you also sell outside the US, check the rules in each market, since packaging requirements differ. Where the rules are unclear for a specific pack, the FTC guidance and the rules themselves are the reference, and a compliance adviser can confirm the wording.