Generic names for textile fibres are used for customs purposes and textile product labelling in the context of the EU Directives 96/74/EC dated 16/12/1996 and 97/37/EC dated 19/6/97 . BISFA principally considers generic names for textile but also for non textile end uses . A generic name or class can cover a range of products but always has to refer to basic technologies and properties. BISFA defines generic fibre names and enters them into the BISFA generic classification of fibres, published in the BISFA booklet on "Terminology of Man - Made Fibres". BISFA restricts new generic names to those categories which are produced on an industrial scale and are of commercial significance. Fibres which have recently emerged from research or which are still at the stage of development are not yet included . BISFA , after approval by its General Assembly , retains the option of modifying or withdrawing an existing generic name .

The BISFA generic classification aims to be the basis for a subsequent application at the EU Commission or at the FTC (USA), and for inclusion in the ISO standard 2076 (on fibre names). At the request of the EU Commission (DG Enterprise), BISFA shall furnish its support and expertise, according to BISFA's policy and procedures for introducing new generic fibre names . Generic names, covering fibre products with the same basic technologies and properties from several producers, are completely distinct from trademarks which are used by individual producers for marketing purposes.

1. BISFA or non BISFA members can apply for a new generic name of a fibre, irrespective of the origin of production .
2. The application should contain the following elements as a minimum
   1. Generic name
   2. Example of chemical formula
   3. Definition of distinguishing attribute
   4. Code for the generic name
   5. Details of market presence
   6. Method of identification and method of quantitative analysis of blends with other textile fibres in fabric
   7. An indication of how the generic name is harmonised with existing CEN/ISO standards covering plastics and fibre names
   8. A conventional mass allowance
3. The application is to be addressed to the BISFA secretariat, which submits the application to the SFT committee (Standards for Fibres and Textiles). SFT meets twice a year. The SFT can install a working group preparing a proposal together with the applicant. The decision on whether to approve a new generic name is made according to the principles laid out in section 3) of this document. If SFT approves , the proposal is submitted to the BISFA Policy Committee for approval. The final BISFA approval will subsequently be decided by the BISFA General Assembly (normally meeting once a year, but having the possibility of an extraordinary meeting).BISFA shall then amend accordingly the BISFA Terminology Booklet.
4. BISFA can apply for a new generic name at the EU Commission DG Enterprise (respectively the application to add a new generic name to the directives 96/74/EC dated 16/12/1996 and 97/37/Ec dated 19/6/97 ), or support an applicant in that procedure. BISFA accepts invitations to comment on applications to meetings of the Committee of Member States Experts of DG Enterprise. These procedures may take place before the final approval by the BISFA General Assembly, but in this case , they do not represent the final BISFA position .
5. BISFA can comment on applications at the FTC (USA) through AFMA (American Fibres Manufacturers Association) or through DG Enterprise.
6. An introduction into ISO Standard 2076 (generic fibre names) can be made after a successful FTC or EU Commission procedure.
7. During the initial period where a fibre is being considered for a new generic name , the fibre may be marketed using a preliminary designation given by a National Authority .
    

1. An application is only being considered if it does not fit into the existing BISFA generic classification of fibres (Terminology Booklet), and is needed to allow the consumer or customer and authorities to distinguish between this new fibre type and existing generic types.
2. The generic name shall give the chemical information on the dominating monomer part of the fibre polymer , and/or in addition key unique fibre properties or process technologies .
3. Fibre polymers can be either homo or copolymers .
4. The code for the generic name should be (preferably) of three letters .BISFA will ensure that there is no conflict between this code and existing BISFA codes .
5. In the case of fibres composed of polymer blends ( co-extruded or intimate blends but not chemically linked ) , with no polymer reaching 85% of mass, a generic name can be given if unique fibre properties result ( BISFA decides on the uniqueness of the fibre properties). The generic name in that case is composed with reference to the key monomer, fibre property and/or possibly technology used. If fibres based on polymer blends do not satisfy the criterium of unique properties they will not have a new generic name and can be identified as a mixture e.g. x% poly A, y% poly B.
6. The "distinguishing attribute" shall differentiate one fibre from all others . Chemical difference , which often results in distinctive property differences , is the main basis for differentiation ; other attributes , used where necessary to differentiate between otherwise similar man-made fibres , are unique fibre properties or process technologies recognised by BISFA . These "distinguishing attributes" must be verifiable in the final product by an independent laboratory .