International American Japan Care Labeling Systems International American Japan

Introduction According to Federal Trade Commission, care label is defined as a permanent label tag, containing regular care information and instructions, that is attached or affixed in such a manner that it will not become separated from the product and will remain legible during the useful life of the product. Labels for textile wearing apparel must have either washing or dry cleaning instruction. The instruction can be either symbolic or descriptive (terms).

International The International Association for Textile Care Labeling (GINETEX) has developed a language-independent care labeling system in 1975. With an aim to promote voluntary care labeling on international basis, the GINETEX care labeling system mainly uses symbols to provide care instructions. ISO 3758 1991 provides a code of reference for the use of these symbols.

International The GINETEX care labeling system is also known as the international care labeling system. It rests on the following 8 principles: The symbols denote the maximum permissible treatment. The entire series of GINETEX symbols must be used in the prescribed order. Care labeling must be easy to understand and apply, independent of language. The care labeling symbols must not allow any error in interpretation by the consumer.

International Uniform use and application are in the interest of the interest. A uniform care labeling system has to take account of consumer habits, rather than be based on complex technical considerations. Washing machine should be able to provide the optimum recommended care treatment. Adaptations that might become necessary as a result of technical and economic evolution should be provided as far as possible by avoiding new symbols or additions within the framework of the actual system.

International The system consists of FIVE basis symbols and their full descriptions are shown in the following Washing Bleaching Drying Ironing Dry Cleaning

International Washing The number below the level of water in the washtub indicates the maximum permitted temperature of the water in degrees centigrade. The washtub and temperature also indicate that machine washing is possible.

International Washing A hand in the washtub indicates that the garment can only be washed by hand.

International Washing An underline beneath the washtub indicates that a milder treatment is in order E.g. Reduced mechanical action E.g. Rinsing at gradually decreasing temperature (cool down) Broken bar indicates a very mild treatment E.g. Mechanical action much reduced E.g. Do not wring by hand

International Washing A cross on any of them means that the treatment shall not be used

International Bleaching Chlorine-based bleaching allowed Only cold and dilute solution Do not use chlorine-based bleach

International Drying Tumble dry possible Normal drying cycle Drying at lower temperature setting Do not tumble dry

International Ironing The dots in the iron symbol (1, 2, 3) indicate the maximum temperature at which the textile article can be ironed Iron at a max. sole-plate temperature of 110oC Steam-ironing may be risky Iron at a max. sole-plate temperature of 200oC Do not iron Steaming and steam treatments are not allowed Iron at a max. sole-plate temperature of 150oC

International Dry cleaning Dry-cleaning in all solvents normally used for dry-cleaning – this includes al solvents listed for the symbol P, plus trichloroethylene and 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane.

International Dry cleaning Dry-cleaning in tetrachloroethylene, monofluorotrichloromethane and all solvents listed for the symbol F. Normal cleaning procedures without restrictions

International Dry cleaning Dry-cleaning in the solvents listed in the previous paragraph Strict limitations on the addition of water and/or mechanical action and/or temperature during cleaning and /or drying No self-service cleaning allowed

International Dry cleaning Dry-cleaning in trifluorotrichloromethane, white spirit (distillation temperature between 150oC and 210oC, flash point 38oC to 60oC) Normal cleansing procedures without restrictions

International Dry cleaning Dry-cleaning in solvents listedin the previous paragraph Strict limitions on the addition of water and/or mechanical action and/or temperature during cleaning and/or drying No self-service cleaning allowed

International Dry cleaning Do not dry clean No stain removal with solvents

American The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. Updates to the Rule became effective on September 1, 2000. The Rule's section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required, and the definitions of "hot," "warm," and "cold" water have been changed to harmonize with the definitions used by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).

American Washing Instructions: Four Elements One: Washing by hand or by machine The label must say whether the product should be washed by hand or machine. The label also must give a water temperature setting if regular use of hot water will harm the product.

American Washing Instructions: Four Elements Two: Bleaching If all commercially available bleaches can safely be used on a regular basis without harming the product, the label does not have to mention bleach. If using chlorine bleach would harm the product, but using non-chlorine bleach on a regular basis would not, the label must say, "Only non-chlorine bleach, when needed." If all commercially available bleaches would harm the product when used on a regular basis, the label must say "No bleach" or "Do not bleach."

American Washing Instructions: Four Elements Three: Drying The label must state the preferred drying method (tumble dry / drip dry / lay flat to dry). For machine drying (tumble dry), the temperature should be mentioned (low / medium / high). If any temperature of tumble drying can be used, no mention of temperature is necessary.

American Washing Instructions: Four Elements Four: Ironing Ironing information must be given on a care label if ironing will be needed on a regular basis. If regular use of a hot iron will not harm a product, it is not necessary to indicate a temperature setting. If ironing will cause harm, the label should state: DO NOT IRON.

American Dry-cleaning Instructions If dry-cleaning is necessary, the label should read at least one solvent that can be used. If all commercially available types of solvent can be used, the label need not mention any types of solvent. The FTC regulation does not provide standard terms to be used on care labels. Any appropriate terms and symbols may be used so long as they clearly and accurately describe regular care procedures and fulfill the requirements of the regulation

Japan The Japan care labeling system has symbols grouped in 6 categories: Washing Possibility of chlorine-based bleaching Ironing Dry-cleaning Wringing Drying Based on JIS L 0217 (1995), the following tables show the full description of the symbols.

Japan Washing Machine wash in water temperature of 95oC or less. No other restrictions. Machine wash in water temperature of 60oC or less. No other restrictions. Machine wash in water temperature of 40oC or less. No other restrictions.

Japan Washing Machine wash at delicate cycle or hand wash in water temperature of 40oC or less. Machine wash at delicate cycle or hand wash in water temperature of 30oC or less.

Japan Washing Hand wash in water temperature of 30oC or less. Do not wash (not washable).

Japan Bleaching Use chlorine bleach. Do not use chlorine bleach.

Japan Ironing May be ironed directly at 180-210oC Do not iron May be ironed directly at 180-210oC if a cloth is placed between iron and garment.

Japan Dry-cleaning Can be dry-cleaned. Use solvent of perchloro-ethylene or of petroleum based matter. Can be dry-cleaned. Use only a petroleum-based solvent. Cannot be dry-cleaned

Japan Wringing Wring gently by hand or for a shot time by centrifugal hydro-extractor. Cannot be wrung.

Japan Drying Hang dry. Hang dry in shade Lay flat to dry Lay flat to dry in shade