New INMETRO regulation requires full transparency in footwear labeling

On May 5, 2025, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) opened Public Consultation No. 12/2025, with the aim of establishing new technical regulations for footwear labeling in Brazil. The proposal requires a national standard for information on the labels of footwear sold in the country, whether locally produced or imported. The measure covers both physical and online sales.

The implementation period is divided into two stages: from July 31, 2026 for suppliers and, for distributors and retailers, until December 31, 2027. The proposal follows the parameters of ABNT NBR 16679 standard and requires clear and standardized data such as material composition, country of origin, manufacturer, numbering and traceability. One of the main points is the requirement for a unique product identifier, preferably the GTIN, which must appear on the packaging and, whenever possible, also on the footwear itself.

The regulation has important effects from the perspective of Fashion Law, by reinforcing transparency in consumer relations, traceability as a mechanism to combat counterfeiting and guaranteeing the right to information. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and marketplaces will have specific responsibilities in complying with the regulation. Companies that perform more than one function within the chain will need to comply with all requirements simultaneously.

E-commerce is also at the center of the changes: online advertisements will have to display all required information on labels, including the GTIN code. This will require adaptations in brands' internal data flows, review of product descriptions, contractual adjustments with marketplaces and increased attention to responsibility for the content disclosed.

With the aim of helping the sector adapt to the new reality, the Etiqueta Certa platform, already used by companies in the textile segment, is expanding its scope to also serve the footwear industry. The tool promises to automate the process of generating labels in accordance with the new requirements, contributing to market standardization and the legal security of brands.

In a global scenario where traceability, sustainability and ethical production are increasingly demanded by consumers and regulators, Brazil is aligning itself with this agenda with regulations that prioritize transparency and control. For fashion brands and companies, preparation goes far beyond logistics: it involves legal strategy, contract review and technical adaptation at all stages of the chain.

In this context, the legal department is not just support; it is a central part of a brand's responsible growth structure. Having specialized fashion law consultancy is the difference between taking risks and consolidating oneself with security.