Fur Labeling Act

The U.S. Federal  Trade Commission (FTC) regulates fur labeling as cited in the Fur Products Identification Act - 16 CFR 301 and the Fur Products Labeling Act - 15 U.S.C. §69.

It is important to note that the following information is intended to be used as a guide in regard to the Fur Labeling Act.  We urge our Suppliers to review the legislation as it pertains to the type of goods they sell.  Other requirements may apply.

Fur/Not Fur

The term "fur" includes:
Any animal skin or part thereof with hair, fleece, or fur fibers attached to the skin, either in its raw or processed state.

The term "fur" does not include:
Skins that are to be converted into leather or which in processing shall have the hair, fleece, or fur fiber completely removed.

For a complete definition and further detailed information, please refer to: 
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/how-comply-fur-products-labeling-act

Questionable Furs:
A register of names for hair, fleece, and fur bearing animals has been issued by the Commission in an effort to alleviate questions as if a component is considered a fur or not.

Example of these furs would be:

• Pony
• Sheep or Shearling
• Goat

For a full listing, please refer to §301.0 of the Fur Products Act Fur products name guide

Merchandise Affected

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/how-comply-fur-products-labeling-act

All apparel, footwear, and accessories that contain any amount of animal fur will require labeling according to the standards set forth by the FTC. Merchandise category examples would be (but not limited to):

Exception to Ruling:  

The only exception is for handbags. This is due to the FTC’s definition of a garment as wearing apparel.  Wearing apparel refers to anything worn on and covers a person's body. Agreement was reached on this definition through the involvement of the FTC, consumer organizations, designers, and retailers.

Requirements

Fur Product Labeling Act Requirements

Fur products — garments made either entirely or partly with fur, including trim, lining and embellishments — Must have a label disclosing:

• Animal common name
• Country of origin for the fur component
• If the fur is natural, pointed, dyed, bleached, tip-dyed, or otherwise artificially colored.
• If the fur product contains fur which has been sheared, plucked, or let out (if that is the case).
• If the fur product is composed in whole of back or in substantial parts of paws, tails, bellies, side flanks, gills, ears, scrap pieces, or waste fur. (if that is the case)
• State if the fur is Real or Faux

Fur Label Approvals and Consultations

• For all domestic items containing fur a soft copy of the label can be forwarded to the Government Compliance office for consultation at the following email address:  government_compliance@neimanmarcus.com
• For all import items containing fur a soft copy of the label should be forwarded to the Foreign Buying Office the Supplier is in contact with, for approval prior to the goods being shipped.

Raccoon Fur Prohibited

Effective October 24, 2013, the Neiman Marcus Group will no longer accept any product made from raccoon fur of any variety.  This includes, but is not limited to the following genus/species:

• Nectereutes procyonoides
• Family: Procyonidae (all coatis, raccoons and relatives) including but not limited to: 
  • Nasua nasua
  • Nasua narica
  • Procyon pygmaeus

Labeling Mechanics

FTC Labeling Mechanics

• Size - The label must be a minimum of 1¾ by 2¾ inches (4.5 x 7 cm).
• Durability - The label must be durable enough to remain on the fur until it is delivered to the consumer.
• Lettering - The required information must be no smaller than pica or 12 point type, with all parts of the information in letters of equal size and conspicuousness.
• Order 
  • Whether the fur is natural, pointed, dyed, bleached,  color or brightener added
  • If the product contains fur that has been sheared, plucked, or let-out (optional)
  • Name of the animal
  • If the fur product is composed of pieces (if that is the case)
  • Fur country of origin
  • Labeling must include the words "Real Fur". This can be stated on the permanent fiber content label, the back of the fur label or attached with a hang tag or sticker.

 The name or RN of the manufacturer or dealer may proceed or follow the above. (See Requirements for Private Labeling)

Faux Fur Labeling Mechanics

• Products containing Faux Fur are those items that contain artificially manufactured fur which is made to resemble real fur but is not derived from animals.
• The permanent fiber content label must include the words “Faux Fur” or Faux Fur” must be added to additional labeling on the item.
• The label must be securely affixed to the merchandise.

Private Labeling

For Suppliers who private label for NMG, the same rules apply.  Private label Suppliers must identify their name or RN# on the fur label as the Supplier. The private label used to identify one of our companies (i.e. Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus) still remains the same. 

Real Fur Labeling Tip Sheet - Click Here to View

Faux Fur Labeling Tip Sheet - Click Here to View

Labeling Examples

Fur Label Example