What Does the Harris Tweed Authority Do?

The Harris Tweed Authority (HTA) is the official governing body responsible for overseeing and protecting the world-famous Harris Tweed fabric. Established in 1993 under the Harris Tweed Act, the Authority plays a vital role in ensuring that Harris Tweed remains an authentic, legally protected product that meets the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and tradition.

One of the HTA’s primary responsibilities is to protect and enforce the Harris Tweed trademark—specifically, the Orb symbol, which is globally recognized as a mark of authenticity. Only cloth that meets the strict legal definition outlined in the Harris Tweed Act can bear this stamp. The Orb mark guarantees that the fabric is handwoven by islanders in their homes in the Outer Hebrides, using pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun in the same region.

To uphold these standards, the Harris Tweed Authority inspects and certifies every single length of cloth produced. This quality control process ensures that only genuine Harris Tweed is approved for sale, helping to maintain the product’s reputation as a premium textile worldwide. If a fabric fails to meet the required specifications, it cannot be stamped or marketed as Harris Tweed.

Beyond certification, the HTA also plays a key role in promoting the Harris Tweed industry internationally. It works closely with designers, brands, retailers, and media to raise awareness of the cloth’s heritage, quality, and relevance in modern fashion and design. This helps ensure that Harris Tweed remains both a traditional craft and a competitive global product.

The Authority is also committed to supporting the local weaving community, including independent weavers, mills, and suppliers across the Outer Hebrides. By maintaining high standards and defending the authenticity of the product, the HTA helps protect the livelihoods and skills of the people who make Harris Tweed.

Should the Harris Tweed brand be imitated or misused, the HTA has the legal power to take action against both in the UK and internationally. This ensures that the brand is not protected and you the consumer can trust that you’re buying the genuine article.