Do Clothing Brands Need an FTC RN Number?
Last updated: October 20, 2026
No. An RN number is optional. The FTC requires every covered clothing label to identify the company responsible for the product, but you may do that either by printing your company name or by printing the Registered Identification Number (RN) the FTC has issued to your business.
What is an RN number?
An RN is a unique number issued by the FTC to a business that manufactures, imports, distributes or sells products covered by the Textile, Wool and Fur Acts. It looks like "RN 12345". A company has one RN, and that single number can be used on textile, wool and fur products.
Do you need one? Name or RN
The label must show the name of the manufacturer, importer, marketer or distributor, or that party's RN. Either works. An RN is useful when:
- You sell under several brand names and want one stable identifier
- Your company name is long and label space is limited
- You expect your trading name to change, since you can keep the same RN while updating the registered record
- You want to look up who made a product: the FTC's RN database is searchable
If you use the company name, use the name your business actually trades under, consistently on every label.
Who can get an RN?
RNs are issued only to businesses located in the United States. A Canadian CA number or an IRS number cannot replace a company name or RN on a U.S. label. A foreign manufacturer that exports to the U.S. generally cannot use an RN, so imported products are usually identified by the U.S. importer's or dealer's name or RN.
How to get an RN number
- Go to the FTC's RN application page, linked from the FTC's textile labeling portal.
- Complete the online application with your business name, address and business type.
- Submit it. There is no fee.
- Add the RN to label artwork before the next production run.
Keeping your RN current
The FTC may cancel an RN if your business information changes and you do not promptly submit a new application with current details. Update the record after a change of name, address or ownership.
What an RN does not do
An RN does not mean the FTC has approved your products or your labels. You still must meet fiber content, country of origin and care labeling rules. See the US clothing label requirements checklist.
Where to display it
Print the RN on the permanent label next to the fiber content and origin information. You are not required to show it on your Shopify product page, though including your legal business name in the store footer helps customers and buyers identify you.
Frequently asked questions
Is an RN number free? Yes, the application does not carry a fee.
Can I use my brand name instead of an RN? Use the company name under which you do business. If your brand name differs from your company name, an RN avoids confusion.
Can private-label retailers use their own RN? Yes, if they are the business responsible for marketing the product.
Does one RN cover all my products? Yes, one RN per company covers textile, wool and fur products.
Related guides
- FTC Textile Labeling Requirements: The Ultimate Shopify Checklist
- US Clothing Label Requirements: A Complete Checklist
- Wool Products Labeling Act: A Guide for Clothing Brands
This article is general information, not legal advice.