The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Care Labeling
Rule which requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to
garments. The FTC has information about other Rules relating to labeling
textile products for fiber content, country of origin and manufacturer
identity.
Here are a few popular questions about care label rules.
This is just portion of the information that you will need to know. It is
suggested that you visit the FTC website for the most current
regulations.
Q. Are care symbols required on care
labels?
A. No. Symbols are optional as long as care instructions are
on the label. If you choose to use symbols without words, you might want to
include information about the meaning of the symbols — perhaps on a hangtag or
in your catalogue — to be sure your customers understand them.
Learn more about care
symbols.
Q. May care instructions be on the back of another
permanent label sewn into the garment?
A. You can put care information on the reverse side of a
permanent label if only one end of the permanent label is sewn into the garment
and the consumer has easy access to the front and back of the label. The front
of the label doesn't have to say "Care on reverse."
Learn more about sewn clothing
labels.
Q. Does a care instruction have to consider components
such as linings, trim, buttons or zippers?
A. Yes. Care instructions must include all components of the
product, including non-detachable linings, trim and other details. The
instructions should contain any special considerations for components as a
warning; for example, "Remove trim," or "Close zipper." A detachable component,
like a slip-out liner, must be labeled separately if it requires a different
care procedure than the main product.
Learn about Care
Labeling Rules on the FTC website.
Note: the labeling rule FAQ’s listed above have been
retrieved from the Federal Trade Commission website January 12, 2016. Rules and
regulations are subject to change without notice. Please view the official
government website for the most complete and accurate information. Do not rely
on this blog post.
If you have questions about registration numbers, you may want to read about RN#'s on our previous blog post.
If you have questions about registration numbers, you may want to read about RN#'s on our previous blog post.
Learn more about care labels on Apparel
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You may also want to research country of origin markings as well.