Registered Identification Number (RN) for Textiles in the US

Importers and manufacturers in the United States must label their wool, textile, or fur products with information such as fiber content and company name. However, instead of your company name, you can also use a Registered Identification Number (RN).

In this guide, we explain what a Registered Identification Number is, whether it is mandatory, and which products can carry the number. We also answer common questions about the Registered Identification Number.

What is a Registered Identification Number?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a Registered Identification Number is a number that the FTC issues to companies in the United States that distribute, import, manufacture, or sell textile, wool, and fur products.

Companies can use this number instead of their company name on their product labels, for traceability purposes. They must also ensure that the prefix “RN” precedes the actual string of numbers on their labels.

Is a Registered Identification Number mandatory?

Companies that import, manufacture, sell or distribute textile, wool or fur products can choose to place either the Registered Identification Number or a valid business name on the product label.

Note that if you choose to display your business name on the label, then you should use the full name of the company. This generally means the full official registered company name.

You can’t only use a trademark, designer name, or brand unless this is exactly the same as the company name – which is rarely the case.

Which products may be labeled with a Registered Identification Number?

The Registered Identification Number labeling requirement applies to products covered by the Textile, Wool, and Fur Acts. This means that products covered by 16 CFR Parts 300, 301, and 303 must carry a Registered Identification Number (or the company name).

Below we list several examples of products covered by 16 CFR Parts 300, 301, and 303.

16 CFR Part 300 – Rules and Regulations under the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939

• Clothing containing wool
• Footwear (slippers) containing wool
• Blankets containing recycled wool

16 CFR Part 301 – Rules and Regulations under Fur Products Labeling Act

• Scarves containing alpaca fur
• Coats containing bear fur
• Hats containing lynx fur

16 CFR Part 303 – Rules and Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act

• Apparel
• Floor coverings
• Scarves
• Towels
• Bedding and pillows

What is the procedure to obtain a Registered Identification Number?

You can either apply for a new Registered Identification Number or update an existing one.

New application

To apply to obtain a new Registered Identification Number, you must create an account with the FTC on the RN Database website (unless you already have one).

1. Go to the FTC’s Registered Identification Number application page and click “Create my account”.

2. On the resulting page, fill in the relevant fields with your:

• Account details (e.g. email address, business type)
• Street address
• Mailing address
• Contact details

3. Click on the “Register” button.

Update existing Registered Identification Number

If you want to update your Registered Identification Number, log in to your FTC account (if you already have one) on the RN Database website.

Where should the Registered Identification Number be printed?

The label with the necessary information, including the Registered Identification Number, must be securely attached to the textile product until the product is sold to the final user.

Is a sticker sufficient, or do we need a permanent label?

As mentioned in the above section, the label must be “securely attached”. The regulations do not mention stickers. However, a sticker may be insufficient, as it can fall off the product before the sale.

Can foreign (non-US) companies obtain a Registered Identification Number?

No, only businesses incorporated in the United States can apply for a Registered Identification Number.

If you are a foreign manufacturer, exporter, or distributor of goods in the US, you can label your products with your company name instead.

Do US importers need a Registered Identification Number?

Using a Registered Identification Number to label your textiles, garments, furs, or wool products is optional, as you can use your company name instead.

Here we list some common options that can be used to label the product:

• Company name or the Registered Identification Number of the US-based manufacturer
• Company name or the Registered Identification Number of the US-based importer
• Company name or the Registered Identification Number of the US-based wholesaler
• Company name of the non-US manufacturer

How much does it cost to apply??

At the moment, applying for a Registered Identification Number is free of charge.

How long does the Registered Identification Number application process take?

According to the information on FTC’s official webpage, the Registered Identification Number online application processing time is generally within 3 business days.

For mailed or faxed applications, the FTC could take 7 to 10 business days to process such applications. The FTC does not offer one-day or express service in any circumstances.

How can I update the information related to my Registered Identification Number?

According to the FTC, you should use their RN Database website to update your Registered Identification Number information. If you already have an account, log in, click the “Update RN” button to fill out and submit a request for an information update.

The FTC will review the request and notify you via email or regular mail. If they approve your request, you can locate your updated information on the FTC’s Search Screen

How many Registered Identification Numbers can I have?

The FTC states on its website that it only assigns or issues one Registered Identification Number per company.

What is the difference between a Registered Identification Number and a Wool Products Labelling Number?

The Wool Products Labelling Number is used to serve the same purpose of a Registered Identification Number, which is to identify the manufacturer, importer, or distributor, but only for wool products.

Although the FTC phased out Wool Products Labelling Numbers and nowadays only issues Registered Identification Numbers, consumers can still find them in some old clothing.

What is the Registered Identification Number Database?

Companies that have registered for the Registered Identification Numbers will be included in the Registered Identification Number database.

Consumers and authorities can contact or get knowledge of a company by looking up Registered Identification Numbers in the database.

Does Amazon require a Registered Identification Number?

Responses to a similar question on Amazon’s Seller Central discussion boards suggest that:

a. Amazon does not have any policy requiring the provision of a Registered Identification Number; and

b. You can choose to include it on the label, even if the FTC does not strictly require it.

What can happen if we do not have a Registered Identification Number?

You can put your company name on the label instead of a Registered Identification Number if you do not have that, as it is not mandatory.

If you do not properly label your product, you may not be permitted to import, distribute, or sell your product.