Yes, don't worry! It's normal for new rugs to shed and would not be considered defective.
Depending on the weave type of your area rug and where it is being used, it may continue to shed over the span of its lifetime.
Here are some tips to help prevent shedding:
- Lightly vacuum your rug regularly, going with the grain of the pile and not against it.
- Do not use a heavy beater bar or use the vacuum on the setting closest to the ground
- Use a rug pad to further protect the rug
- If possible, move it to a low traffic area