Label Laws
As lawyers would tell their clients: “You shouldn’t illegally cross the border because so many others have.” In addition to political tensions, the same principle applies to the trade laws that are set by the government that regulate the various kinds of goods being delivered to consumers, even hand-crafted.
Libel laws are responsible for the sticker or badges we see on commercially available handmade products. Whatever the shape, size, content, or size, each handcrafted item that is sold locally or internationally must be accompanied by a seal, badge, or a name tape that specifies what the product is made from, the place it was produced, and other important information the purchaser should be aware of. There are some sellers who sell their products without being aware of this law, and the majority of them are involved in small-scale trade items, such as beaded accessories or other small-scale items. The government might allow you to sell these items in your local area. However, once you start selling them at bazaars, trade fairs, or shopping malls, it is essential to include specific information about the product on the packaging.
No matter if you customized the item or even made it by yourself, you must place the details of the product on the packaging or the product itself (if it’s a T-shirt or any clothing that is made by hand). Store owners who own online stores are subject to the law, meaning that buyers may be able to sue you if they don’t add a description of the item or label on the item. If you are planning to only offer the handcrafted item as a gift, it is not required to having to put a brand on the item.
The most important details we recommend (and as required by law) should be included on the name label, sticker, or tape include:
* The legal name of your company or you’re full name (if you do not have a permit for business yet)
* Address of the manufacturer (if locally sold) or the country of manufacturing (if international sale)
* Contact number
* Email address
Website for Store (don’t worry if you don’t already have a domain)
* Labels that identify the content of clothing (e.g., 100% cotton, 50% polyester/50 percent cotton, for example; washing by hand; using the machine, etc.)
Selling Refurbished Goods
The custom-made handmade items differ from refurbished items, as the law declares explicitly that refurbished products must be “repaired items,” which means you need to specify which part of the item has been subject to repair, as well as the technical problems that remain after refurbishment.
Information should include:
Model of the product being refurbished along with the time of its manufacture
Embedded parts/items/accessories that have been added to the product
Embedded parts/items/accessories that have been removed from the product
If you wish, you could also mention the location where the item was purchased as well as the names of those who owned it. For example, the initial purchaser is John Smith and then handed over his son John Smith, Jr. Then, finally, it was handed over the item to John Smith III – the person who purchased the item. You should gather as much information about the ownership of the item as you can to avoid legal disputes in the event that the buyer sues you for defamation.
It is possible to include this information in the description of the item or catalog in which you’ve listed your item both in intricate print and digital print.
MadeItMyself is a rapidly expanding, fun, and unique marketplace for artisans. It allows you to post your handcrafted products and then share them with the public at large.