The inclusion of washing instructions is not mandatory in the UK; however, it is strongly encouraged. In other countries it can be compulsory to include care instructions. Some markets require the use of symbols, others require written instructions.

We would always recommend the use of GINETEX symbols – the system used throughout Europe as well in many other countries including Japan, China and India. Use of GINETEX symbols removes the needs to use written care information on a label and means there are no translation issues to consider. A recent survey revealed that 84% of UK consumers would never or rarely buy clothing that did not contain care information.

Please note the symbols are protected by trade marks in over 80 countries throughout the world including the UK. UKFT is the UK representative of GINETEX, the organisation that owns the trademark and membership of UKFT can also give you the right to use the symbols throughout the world without any further charges.

Although many countries use the GINETEX system there are some notable exceptions including the USA, South Korea and Australia. If you are a member of UKFT, please get in touch to receive market specific advice.

ISO 3758 for Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols

UK fashion and textile brands and retailers selling their own label can get a licence to use the GINETEX symbols, which ISO 3758:2012 is based on, through UKFT.

ISO 3758:2012 establishes a system of graphic symbols, intended for use in the marking of textile articles, and for providing information on the most severe treatment that does not cause irreversible damage to the article during the textile care process, and specifies the use of these symbols in care labelling.

ISO 3758:2012 is based on the GINETEX care labelling system. ISO 3758 specifically acknowledges GINETEX’s ownership of the trademarks in the Introduction to the standard as well as in Annex B of the Standard. The GINETEX care symbols are registered trademarks in over 80 countries, including the UK and all major European markets. UK fashion and textile brands and retailers selling their own label must have a licence to use the symbols, which is available through UKFT.

The following domestic treatments are covered: washing, bleaching, drying and ironing. Professional textile care treatments in dry and wet cleaning, but excluding industrial laundering, are also covered. However, it is recognised that information imparted by the domestic symbols will also be of assistance to the professional cleaner and launderer.

ISO 3758:2012 applies to all textile articles in the form in which they are supplied to the end user.

ISO 3758:2012 is expected to be updated by ISO/CD 3758 at the end of this year (2021). It is currently under development by the Technical Committee: ISO/TC 38/SC 2 Cleansing, finishing and water resistance tests. UKFT will provide an update as soon as it is published.

UKFT can provide a care labelling licence that allows the use of the symbols throughout the world either as a standalone package (Retail Partner Programme) or as a bolt-on to full membership (Annual Plus).

Prices start at £515+ VAT for Annual Membership Plus for brands with a turnover up to £250k or a flat fee of £2,500+VAT via our Retail Partner Programme. For full details visit, www.ukft.org/membership  or contact info@ukft.org

Fibre content labelling in apparel and textiles is mandatory in the UK and across the EU as laid down in the 2012 Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations. The basis of these Regulations is that the label must include information on the main fibre types used and their percentages – for example wool 80%, cotton 20%. The information given must be understandable by a consumer in the market in to which you are selling. It is not sufficient just to use English if you are exporting to the EU. A Guidance Note to these Regulations is available to download.

When the UK leaves the EU, the fibre content regulations will remain exactly the same.

Separate Regulations exist dealing with footwear. A copy of the Guidance Notes on Footwear Labelling is available to download.

Virtually all key export markets have a legal requirement to include fibre content labelling. However, the law in each country can vary. UKFT can provide members with the latest information on the legal requirements in all markets.

Country of origin labelling is, generally speaking, not compulsory in the EU. However, it is necessary to have an origin label if, without such a label, the consumer could be misled as to the true origin of the garment. For instance, if a garment carried the British flag on it but it was made in Hong Kong, then the garment should include a label to that effect.

Fraudulent origin labelling is illegal.

Other markets have different legal requirements when it comes to origin labelling. Incorrect labelling can result in goods being refused entry or even destroyed. UKFT can advise members on the latest requirements.

Nightwear

Nightwear and garments commonly worn as nightwear are subject to certain labelling requirements concerning their flammability. Children’s nightwear must satisfy the flammability requirements specified in British Standard 5722. Babies’ garments and adults’ nightwear must carry a permanent label showing whether or not they meet the Flammability Standard. Further information on this labelling of nightwear is contained in `A Guide to the Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985′. A copy is available to download.

Following the publication of BS EN 14878 Textiles – Burning behaviour of children’s nightwear – Specification, in November 2008 a new Advisory Note on the Requirement for Safety of Children’s Nightwear was been produced. A copy is available to download.

Netherlands

Clothing sold in the Netherlands must meet minimum burning behaviour requirements. MODINT, the Dutch Clothing Association has entered into an agreement with the government regarding these requirements. A copy of the agreement, which gives details on the minimum burning behaviour of fabrics is available to download.

MODINT have also produced a guide to help companies assess if their fabrics/garments need to be tested. A copy of this guidance available to download.