Do Clothing Labels Have to Be in Bulgarian? Language Rules Explained

Clothing label language requirements in Bulgaria are clear on one point: if a garment is sold to consumers in Bulgaria, its fibre composition must be in Bulgarian. That follows both from EU Regulation 1007/2011 and from the Bulgarian Consumer Protection Act. In practice, though, brands and importers still ask the same questions. Does the whole label need to be in Bulgarian? Is a sticker enough? What if we also sell in Romania and Greece? And how do we fit all of it on a 3 cm wide label? Below we go through the most common myths and what the law actually asks for.

The two laws you need to know

Regulation (EU) 1007/2011: the language of the composition

Article 16(3) states that fibre composition labelling must be provided in the official language or languages of the member state where the product is made available to the consumer, unless that member state provides otherwise. For Bulgaria, that means Bulgarian. The regulation applies directly in every EU country without the need for a national law.

Bulgarian Consumer Protection Act: labels in Bulgarian

Article 9 of the Act requires goods to be offered with labels in Bulgarian, or also in Bulgarian, containing information on the manufacturer and the importer (for imported goods), the type of product, its main characteristics and, where needed, instructions for use. The information must be understandable, clear and not misleading. The wording "or also in Bulgarian" matters: a multilingual label that includes Bulgarian text is perfectly acceptable.

Please note: this article is a practical guide, not legal advice. If you are unsure about a specific product, check with the Bulgarian Consumer Protection Commission or a lawyer.

Satin label 14 cm x 5 cm - satin printWoven label 8.5 cm x 7 cm – Gold effect, jacquardSatin label 6 cm x 3 cm – printing on satin ribbon

Myths vs facts

Myth: "An English label is enough, everyone understands it."

Fact: It isn't. The fibre composition must be in Bulgarian when the product is sold to consumers in Bulgaria. English can appear alongside it, but it doesn't replace Bulgarian.

Myth: "I have to remove the original foreign-language label."

Fact: You don't. The law accepts a label "also in Bulgarian", so the original label can stay and Bulgarian text is added.

Myth: "A sticker on the paper swing tag will do."

Fact: For fibre composition, the regulation requires a durable, legible and securely attached marking. A sticker that comes off in the first wash is hard to defend as durable. The safe option is a sewn-in label with Bulgarian text.

Myth: "I can use abbreviations like CO, PES, EL."

Fact: The legal fibre names are listed in Annex I of the regulation and should be written out in full in the relevant language, so on the Bulgarian line you spell out the Bulgarian words for cotton, polyester and elastane. Abbreviations are not among them and may be considered unclear or misleading.

Myth: "Care symbols also need translating."

Fact: Symbols are graphic and don't need translation. If you add written instructions such as "Wash at 30°C", it is sensible to include them in Bulgarian too.

What exactly has to be in Bulgarian

• Fibre composition: mandatory, using the Annex I names and percentages by weight in descending order.
• Manufacturer and importer details: required under consumer and general product safety law. Company names and addresses are not translated, but connecting words such as "Manufactured by" or "Importer" are best given in Bulgarian.
• Instructions and warnings: if any.
• Brand name: never translated.
• Size: usually letters or numbers, no translation needed.

Multilingual labels in practice

If you sell in Bulgaria and neighbouring countries, one multilingual label for every market is usually the most economical choice. Typical set-ups look like this:

A typical composition line reads: language code, then the composition in that language, then the next language code, and so on. Remember that the regulation asks for the composition to be in a uniform font, size and style and clearly separate from other information, so don't mix the composition line with marketing copy.

Solutions when space is tight

1. A longer satin label. Printable satin tape is cut to length, and a 14 cm label easily holds several languages.
2. Double-sided print. Use the back too, for example composition on the front and symbols and manufacturer on the back.
3. Centre fold. A folded label sewn into the seam gives two sides of equal area.
4. Split the information. Brand on a woven label at the neck, composition and care on a separate printed label in the side seam.
5. Language codes. Start each language with its ISO code (BG, RO, EL) so readers find their line quickly.

Tip: keep the languages in the same order on every label in the collection. Production is simpler and sewing mistakes are fewer.

If you import finished garments

The importer who offers goods to consumers in Bulgaria is responsible for making sure the label also carries Bulgarian. The best moment to arrange this is during production: ask the factory to sew in a multilingual label with Bulgarian text. If that isn't possible, an additional sewn-in Bulgarian label is a safer fix than a sticker. And don't forget that the composition must also be visible to buyers in your online shop before they order.

Labels for your brand

Bul-tex manufactures and supplies labels for brands and sewing workshops. Printed satin labels are the most practical choice for multilingual composition and care, while woven and jacquard labels carry the brand. Browse all our clothing labels, see our satin and grosgrain ribbons, and for your own text and size send us an enquiry. If you are preparing the composition text as well, read our other label articles. Official guidance is also available on the EU's Your Europe portal.