It’s not much bigger than a postage stamp, but the label on many textile, wool and fur products provides important information including fiber content, country of origin and company name or registration identification number (RN). The FTC manages RN systems, and industry members want to see the latest updates to the RN website. With RNs and labels in mind, we asked attorney Josh Millard, whom we labeled one of the FTC’s go-to people on the topic, some frequently asked questions related to RNs. one.
First things first. What is a registered nurse?
Josh: A Registration Identification Number (RN) is a numerical name (the prefix RN followed by a number) that identifies a company responsible for marketing, distributing or otherwise dealing with products covered by the Textiles, Wool and Furs Act. Because some labels are small and some company names are long, U.S. companies are legally allowed to use RN as a “shorthand” mark. We think the upgrade to the RN website will make it easier for businesses to use.
How do I get a registered nurse for my business?
Josh: Apply online. FTC staff will review your application and send you an email, usually within 1-3 business days. Once your application is approved, you will receive your registered nurse practitioner.
How much does it cost to get an RN?
Josh: No charge.
Do companies have to use RN on labels?
Josh: No, you don’t have to use RN. It is perfectly acceptable to include your company name, but many companies prefer to use RN because it takes up less space. There are other benefits to RN systems. For example, it allows people to easily identify your business through RN search screens. Consumers or other industry members can enter the number and easily find your business.
Our company is not located in the United States. Can we get an RN?
Josh: Only U.S. businesses can obtain registered nurse practitioners. If your foreign company manufactures or is involved in advertising, distributing or selling products covered by the Textile, Wool and Fur Act, put the company name instead of the RN on the label. Alternatively, in this case, you can label the product using the RN or company name of the U.S. company directly involved in importing, distributing, or selling the product.
By looking at our records, we discovered that we have multiple RNs. Is that a problem?
Josh: This is not prohibited, but we no longer issue multiple RNs to a company and encourage companies to cancel any additional RNs to simplify record keeping.
Our headquarters has moved since we applied for RN. Do we need to update our apps?
Josh: Yes. If your company name, address or legal status changes, please update your RN registration information. If businesses don’t keep their messaging up to date, RNs may be delisted, so it’s best to check. The good news is that the upgraded RN website makes it easier.
What if we choose to use the company name on the label instead of RN?
Josh: You must include the full name your company uses to do business, in other words, the name that appears on documents such as purchase orders or invoices. It cannot be a trademark, trade name, brand or designer name, unless it is also the name under which your company does business.
What guidance does the FTC have for industry members?
Josh: A good place to start is to learn more about the labeling requirements under the Textiles and Wool Act, and the FTC’s Apparel and Textiles page contains links to manuals, cases, workshops, and other compliance resources.
