Different countries have different requirements for care labels. In some countries such as the UK and EU, care labels are not required by law. This might seem like less of a burden for clothing and textile manufacturers, but it also means that if the consumer damages that garment by washing it in the wrong way, the manufacturer could be liable for the costs of repair or replacement.
In Australia however, care labels are mandatory. According to the ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission), the mandatory standard requires that textile products including clothing, textiles, furnishing and suede skins, leathers and furs must have adequate care labelling instructions in English attached to the item. Care symbols alone are not sufficient. However, extra information such as care symbols or instructions in other languages may also be provided.
Why is care labelling important?
Care labelling provides the public with enough information to make an informed decision when choosing a product. It provides important information for the purchaser to:
• know how to care for clothing and textile products
• have prior knowledge of costs such as dry-cleaning in the ongoing care of clothing and textile products
• understand how to clean clothing and textile products properly (e.g. cold hand wash only)
• maximise the useful life of clothing and textile products
• avoid damage such as dyes running (e.g. wash separately)
What are the items that are excluded from mandatory care labelling?
Some items are excluded from mandatory care labelling, and therefore it is best to check the ACCC’s Consumer Protection Notice for full details if any of your items fall into one or more of the below categories:
• second-hand goods
• some types of men’s, women’s, children’s and infants’ wear
• footwear
• drapery (e.g. cleaning cloths and dusters)
• haberdashery, where instructions are not needed to ensure that the clothing or textile product is not damaged during cleaning and maintenance
• some types of furnishings
• jute products
• medical and surgical goods
• canvas goods
• range of miscellaneous goods (e.g. cords, toys, umbrellas, shoelaces).
Do you require care labels? Here at Bags & Tags, we stock a wide range of care labels and we can custom make to your requirements. Browse the range here.
Bags & Tags care labels can be easily ordered and are promptly delivered throughout Australia. Offering a range of personalisation services, Bags & Tags is the simple option when it comes to all of your care label needs. For any specific enquiries, be sure to get in touch with our friendly team on 07 3086 9369.
