What does it apply to?
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:
- Second-hand, worn footwear
- Personal Protective Equipment (for example, toe tectors)
- Footwear containing asbestos
- Footwear intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age (for example, plastic roller skates)
- Any footwear invoiced or delivered to a retailer before 23 March 1996 (a transitional period exists until 23 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
- surface of the upper
- surface area of lining and sock
- 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 above 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:
For indicating materials used in the composition of the footwear:
Natural Textile materials and synthetic or non-woven textile materials
Who does it apply to?
Retailers obligations:
- No retailer shall supply footwear unless it is labelled in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations.
- Any retailer who supplies footwear labeled 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.
- 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 labeling 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.
What happens if I don't comply with the requirements?
These requirements are detailed in The Footwear (Indication of Composition) Labelling Regulations 1995. These make it an offence to supply, offer to supply, possess or expose for supply, footwear that is not labelled in accordance with these requirements. Failure to comply could therefore result in prosecution and the courts may impose a fine.
This fact sheet is not comprehensive, it is subject to periodic amendment and cannot be held to be an authoritative interpretation of the law. For more detailed information please contact:
Bury Trading Standards Office
Textile Hall
Manchester Road
BURY
BL9 0DG
Tel: 0161 253 5566
Fax: 0161 253 5547
email: tradingstandards@bury.gov.uk
