China, East Asia & Southeast Asia, Fashion, Manufacturing, Retail

SGS Reviews Updates to China’s National Technical Specification for Textile Fiber Content Identification

20 August 2026

Image credit: Courtesy of SGS

Editorial Brief

At a glance: AI-assisted overview, optimised for journalists, search & news aggregators

SGS has released SafeGuardS 111.26, detailing updates to China's national standard for textile fibre content identification, GB/T 29862-2026, which will take effect on August 1, 2027. The revised standard includes new requirements for recycled fibres, digital labelling, and test methods, impacting manufacturers, importers, exporters, and others involved in textile labelling. These changes aim to ensure accurate consumer information and standardised practices in the industry.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

China’s revision of its national standard for textile fiber content identification introduces updated requirements that will affect a broad range of businesses operating in the country’s textile supply chain. With the updated standard set to take effect in August 2027, companies involved in manufacturing, importing, exporting, and retailing textile products will need to review their labeling and testing processes to ensure continued market access and regulatory compliance.

Key technical changes, such as provisions for recycled fibers and digital labeling, reflect ongoing efforts by Chinese regulators to modernise consumer information and align with international best practices. Businesses with interests in the Chinese textile market should consider early engagement with these updates to manage compliance risks and adapt to evolving industry norms.

Story Ideas

Regulation

Impact of New Fiber Content Regulations on China’s Textile Industry

The updated national standard GB/T 29862-2026 introduces significant changes for textile fiber content identification in China, affecting manufacturers, importers, and retailers. This story examines the potential regulatory challenges and adjustments the industry might face ahead of the 2027 implementation date.

Target audience: journalists focused on regulatory changes affecting the textile industry
Story potential: 8/10

Consumer impact

Consumer Transparency: How New Textile Labeling Standards Could Affect Buyers

The revised standard GB/T 29862-2026 aims to improve transparency in textile fiber content labeling, including new digital labeling requirements. This piece explores how these changes might influence consumer trust and behavior in China’s textile market.

Target audience: journalists covering consumer rights and market trends
Story potential: 7/10

Press Release

Baar, Switzerland - August 20, 2026

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 111.26, focusing on GB/T 29862-2026, the revised national standard for textile fiber content identification and labeling in China. Published as part of China’s No. 30 announcement of approved national standards in 2026, it replaces GB/T 29862-2013.

Taking effect on August 1, 2027, the updated standard establishes requirements for the identification, declaration and labeling of fiber content in textile products and aims to support accurate and standardized consumer information. It is divided into five parts:

Fiber Content Label Requirements (GB/T 29862-2026, Clause 4)
Fiber Content Declaration Requirements (GB/T 29862-2026, Clause 5)
Fiber Content Tolerance Requirements (GB/T 29862-2026, Clause 6)
Fiber Content Test Methods (GB/T 29862-2026, Clause 7)
Conformity Judgement of Fiber Content Identification (GB/T 29862-2026, Clause 8)

The major technical changes in GB/T 29862-2026 include new requirements relating to recycled fibers, digital labeling and test methods, as well as revisions to labeling practices and conformity assessment requirements.

The new requirements will impact textile and apparel manufacturers, importers, exporters, brand owners, retailers, distributors, testing laboratories, certification bodies and inspection organizations involved in fiber content identification and labeling activities.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 111.26 includes further information on the key requirements and technical changes introduced by GB/T 29862-2026.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 111.26 for more details.

SGS softlines services

SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in the testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s softlines services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full China Releases Updated National Standard for Textiles – GB/T 29862-2026 SafeGuardS.

Notes to editors

For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. Min Zhu Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations, Softlines, US and Canada Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230 Website: www.sgs.com/softlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products About SGS SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource. SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).

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