India is reportedly developing a new mandatory labelling framework for apparel and home textiles sold in the domestic market, requiring manufacturers to disclose fibre content, product origin and care instructions. Government officials indicated that the initiative is intended to bring India in line with international norms, improve recyclability, and reduce the risk of consumers being misled about fibre compositions or origin claims.
According to an official familiar with the matter, preliminary discussions have begun and initial stakeholder consultations have already taken place, although the final contours of the regulation are still under consideration. In advanced markets, clear disclosure of country of origin, fibre composition, and wash and care guidelines is standard practice.
India’s textile and apparel output in 2024 was valued at approximately US $ 175.7 billion, while exports during April to October of FY ’25 reached US $ 20.4 billion.
A representative from the cotton textile sector, who took part in a recent stakeholder meeting, stated that the proposed rule would serve consumer interests by helping distinguish low-cost imported products from those manufactured locally, particularly as India signs multiple trade agreements. Industry experts also noted that accurate fibre content information is crucial for determining whether a textile item can be recycled or must be discarded, and will support large retail chains in managing inventory and supply chains more effectively.
Another industry representative said the forthcoming regulation aims to strengthen consumer awareness and protect buyers in instances where information on fibre composition, country of origin, or care instructions is absent or misleading.
The Ministry of Textiles is concurrently preparing an action plan to enhance the textile waste value chain. As part of this effort, the government intends to mandate a minimum share of recycled materials in public procurement of textile products, establish Indian standards and certification for recycling, and assess both pre- and post-consumer waste generation to identify key sources of textile waste.
