A guide for retailers on footwear labelling
(for all nations)
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The Footwear (Indication of Composition) Regulations 1995 apply to all footwear that is designed to protect and cover the foot, except second-hand, protective and toy footwear intended for use in play by children under fourteen. Footwear must be labelled with an indication of the main material from which the upper, lining and sock, and outer sole are made, in the form of either pictograms (ie symbols) or words. If pictograms are used, a notice explaining what the symbols mean must be used.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer to ensure the labelling is applied to footwear and the markings are not misleading. It is the responsibility of the retailer to ensure that shoes they sell are labelled correctly and in accordance with the Regulations.
