If you are making garments for the USA apparel Brands, you might have already seen a 5 digit number RN number (7 digit code starting with RN 99999) in the label (one of the labels). What does this RN number mean?
Definition of RN Number:
"RN stands for Registered Identification Number. It is a number issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to U.S. businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, or sell products covered by the Textile, Wool, and Fur Acts. Businesses can use this number on product labels instead of the company name". Source: FTC website
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| Content label with RN number printed on it |
Many times, I searched the meaning of RN number on the internet in the past but I forgot it each time (the reason maybe I am not a brand or not a garment manufacturer). This time I decided to write a post on this question and publish it in my blog. So, next time when I forget the meaning of it, I can quickly find it from my blog. For your reference, I have given useful links for learning more about the RN number.
A business can use the RN number in their garments in place the company name. A brand or business uses one RN number for all their garments and styles. RN number is not related to any specific apparel product. A company can use the same RN number for all its apparel products.
By the RN number consumers and anyone can identify who is the owner of a clothe (Brands, manufacturers, importer etc.) You can search the company name of an apparel product that has given RN number in the label by using the FTC RN Number Database
They have published Frequently asked questions on RN (available on FTC website). I have searched for the company name of the RN and I got the company name The Gap Inc,
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| FTC RN number database |
For further clarification, you can read Chris's explanation on Linkedin Pulse.
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