How to Handle Fiber Content and Country of Origin Disclosures on Shopify
Last updated: October 20, 2026
On Shopify, the safest way to disclose fiber content and country of origin is to store each as a structured product metafield, display both in a visible "Details" section of every product page, and make the wording match the physical label exactly. Shopify's built-in country-of-origin field is for customs, so it does not show shoppers anything on its own.
What the FTC expects you to disclose
- Fiber content: each fiber by FTC generic name and percentage by weight, in descending order.
- Country of origin: where the garment was made, in terms that satisfy both the FTC and U.S. Customs.
The same information must appear on the physical label. See the full FTC textile labeling checklist.
Step 1: Use FTC generic fiber names
Marketing and international names often differ from the names the FTC accepts. Convert them before you publish:
| If your supplier says | Use on the label and page |
|---|---|
| Viscose | Rayon |
| Elastane or Lycra | Spandex |
| Polyamide | Nylon |
| Tencel Lyocell | Lyocell (the brand name may be added) |
Write percentages in descending order, for example "60% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 5% Spandex".
Step 2: Create metafields in Shopify
- In the Shopify admin, open Settings → Custom data → Products.
- Add a single-line or multi-line text definition named Material composition.
- Add another named Country of origin (display).
- Add one for Care instructions if you do not already show them.
- Fill the fields for every product, using your bulk editor or a CSV import.
Use a separate display field for origin instead of relying on the inventory country-of-origin setting, which feeds customs documents but is not shown to customers.
Step 3: Show the data where shoppers see it
Add a "Details" or "Materials & care" block to your product template and connect it to the metafields. Keep it in plain text, not inside an image, so it is readable, searchable and accessible. Place it above the fold on mobile or in an accordion that is open by default.
Step 4: Write origin statements correctly
| Situation | Typical wording |
|---|---|
| Made abroad | Made in Portugal |
| Made in the US from imported fabric | Made in USA of imported fabric |
| Made in the US from US fabric | Made in USA (only if "all or virtually all" is met, see our Made in USA guide) |
| Fabric from one country, sewn in another | Name the country where the garment was manufactured, and use the exact wording required for processed or imported components |
On the garment, the origin label belongs at or near the inside center of the neck.
Step 5: Add structured data for SEO
Schema.org Product markup includes material and countryOfOrigin properties. Adding them gives search engines clean, machine-readable attributes and reinforces the page's relevance for material-related searches. Most Shopify themes let you extend the Product JSON-LD in the theme code or through a schema app.
Step 6: Handle variants carefully
If one style is made in two countries or with different fabrics, do not use one shared metafield. Create separate products, or store variant-level data and display the matching value when the shopper selects a variant.
Common mistakes
- Showing "Made in" on the page that differs from the label
- Leaving fiber content in an image only
- Updating the label but not the Shopify data when a supplier changes
- Using "cotton blend" without percentages
- Treating Shopify's customs origin field as a shopper-facing disclosure
Run a systematic check with How to Audit Your Shopify Product Catalog for Missing Textile Data.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to show fiber content on the product page? Country of origin is required online under 16 CFR 303.34, and if a listing names a fiber the rules call for full fiber content. Showing both on every product page is the safe practice.
Where should country of origin go? In the product details, with the same wording as the label.
Can I use "Imported"? On the page, the rule requires a clear statement that the product is made in the USA, imported or both, consistent with the label. The garment label itself must name the country, and naming it online too is best practice.
What if I use dropshipping or print-on-demand? You still need to get origin and fiber data from the supplier and make sure the garment label is compliant.
Related guides
- FTC Textile Labeling Requirements: The Ultimate Shopify Checklist
- US Clothing Label Requirements: A Complete Checklist
- Why Product Data Hygiene Matters
This article is general information, not legal advice.