Generic names for textile fibres are commonly used for customs and textile product labelling enshrined in European Directives. For the actual applicable Directies we refer to the commission website:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/textiles/single-market/textiles-names-legislation/index_en.htm

Producers are responsible for the application to the European authorities for a new generic fibre name. BISFA can support the application. A generic name can cover a range of products but must refer to the chemistry, the technologies used and the fibre properties. Following publication in the Official Journal, the name is included in the BISFA generic classification of fibres. This is published in the BISFA booklet entitled “Terminology of Man-made Fibres”. New generic fibre names are restricted to products which are manufactured commercially. New fibres at the development stage are excluded.

At the request of European Commission (in particular Directorate General Enterprise) BISFA provides its support and expertise within its guidelines for the introduction of new generic fibre names.