Writing Labels for Textile Products
Developed by the Missouri Textile and Apparel
Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, University Extension.
Contents
Introduction
Fiber Content and Country of Origin Labels
- Products that must
have labels
- Exempted products
- Who is responsible for labeling and when?
- Recordkeeping
- Information required
- Arrangement of information on the
label
- Placement of labels
- Substitution of labels
Care Labels
- What products must have
care labels
- Who is responsible for labeling and when?
- Information required
- Average life expectancy of textile
items in years (table)
- How to write care instructions
- Placement of care labels
- Penalties
- Other considerations
Glossary
Registered identification number
Continuing guaranty
Before textile products, such as clothing, bedding, fabrics and awnings,
may be sold to the public, they must be labeled. The wording on the
labels must follow federal regulations that have been passed to protect
the consumer.
As the manufacturer of a textile item, it is your responsibility to
see that the labeling follows federal regulations and is accurate. Fines
for failing to use proper labels may be severe.
There are three different categories of labeling requirements that
affect textile products:
(1) Fiber content
(2) Country of origin
(3) Care instruction
The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products
Labeling Act of 1939 require that the manufacturer (or importer) give
the fiber content of the product (e.g., 50% cotton/50% polyester).
In addition, the Acts require that you specify the country of origin,
meaning the country where the fabric was manufactured and the country
where the product was sewn (e.g., Made in the USA of fabric imported
from Great Britain).
The Care Labeling Rule requires that the manufacturer (or importer)
give at least one set of instructions for taking care of the product.
Some parts of the regulations are very specific. Only certain words
may be used to give the information, and the label must be sewn in a
particular location.
The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act gives definitions and
regulations about the labeling of textile products. The Wool Products
Labeling Act of 1939 specifies regulations about the labeling of products
containing wool. Regulations in the Wool Products Identification Act
take precedence over those in the Textile Fiber Products Identification
act.
Both Acts were amended in 1984 to require listing of the name of the
country, including the United States, where each product was processed
or manufactured.
The Care Labeling Rule was issued in 1971 and amended in 1984. It requires
that manufacturers and importers attach care instructions to garments.
All fiber (natural or synthetic), yarns, fabrics and household textile
articles must be labeled. "Household textile articles" include articles
of wearing apparel, draperies, floor coverings, furnishings, bedding
and other wool or textile articles customarily used in a household.
Products that must
have labels
Items covered under the Textile Products and Wool Acts that must
be labeled include:
- Articles of wearing apparel—woolen hats, most costumes or articles
of clothing worn, or intended to be worn, as covering for any part
of the body, including handkerchiefs and scarves.
- Bedding—sheets, covers, blankets, comforters, pillows, pillowcases,
quilts, bedspreads, pads, batts, and all other textile fiber products
used, or intended to be used, on or about a bed or other places for
reclining or sleeping.
- Afghans and throws, sleeping bags and hammocks.
- Curtains, casements and draperies.
- Floor coverings—the structural base of the floor covering,
not backings.
- Tablecloths, napkins and doilies.
- Towels, wash cloths and dish cloths.
- Furniture slip covers, and other covers for furniture.
- Dresser and other furniture scarves, antimacassars and tidies.
- Ironing board covers and pads.
- Umbrellas and parasols.
- Flags with heading of more than 216 square inches in size.
- Cushions.
- All fibers, yarns and fabrics (including narrow fabrics except packaging
ribbons)—remnants may be sold with a display sign reading "remnants
of undetermined fiber content and origin."
- All products containing any percentage of woolen fibers except those
specifically exempted by the Wool Products Labeling Act (e.g., tennis
balls).
Exempted products
The following domestic textile products are examples of common items
that do not require labels giving fiber content or country of origin
if the country of origin is the United States. However, all imported
textile and wool products of foreign origin must show their country
of origin.
- Shoes and outer footwear of all kinds—this includes shoe laces
and textile-fiber products incorporated in shoes or overshoes, or
similar outer footwear.
- Non-woolen textile headwear, meaning any textile-fiber products
worn exclusively on or about the head or face—woolen headwear
requires labeling information.
- Outer coverings of furniture, mattresses and box springs.
- Items such as belts, suspenders, arm bands, permanently knotted
ties, handbags, luggage, brushes, lampshades and toys (including stuffed
animal toys).
- Specialty items like labels, looper clips intended for handicrafts,
book cloth, artists' canvasses and tapestry cloth.
- Non-woven, one-time use garments.
The items below are specifically listed by the Federal Trade Commission
as being excluded from the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act.
This is not necessarily a complete listing of exempted items. Country
of origin and fiber content labeling is not required for:
- Auto seat cushions.
- Awnings.
- Baby bouncer seats and cuddle seats.
- Baby carriages and carriers.
- Bags: net, laundry, diaper or cosmetic.
- Beach umbrellas.
- Car cushions.
- Chair or lawn seats.
- Christmas decorations.
- Cloth: reproduction or tracing.
- Coasters for glasses.
- Cosmetic masks.
- Cosmetic bags/travel kits.
- Covers: for bird cages, irons, laundry machines, toasters, mixers,
toilet tanks and lids.
- Cummerbunds.
- Dog coats.
- Dress shields.
- Flowers: fabric.
- Golf club head covers.
- Hangers: Padded clothing.
- Hosiery hampers.
- Hot pads.
- Knapsacks.
- Life preservers and jackets.
- Mitts: oven.
- Mops and mop covers.
- Novelty pillows (6 inches or less all dimensions).
- Pads, toboggan.
- Patio umbrellas.
- Saddle blankets.
- Shade pulls: Window, etc.
- Tents.
- Twine.
- Wigs.
- Wall coverings.
- Wall decorations.
The following items are specifically exempted from all sections
of the Wool Products Labeling Act:
- Carpets, rugs, mats or upholsteries—but these must be labeled
under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act.
- Tennis balls and baseballs.
- Powder puffs, sold as part of compact assemblies or as replacement
parts for such compacts.
- Gabardine shoes, when the gabardine or other material containing
woolen fibers covers not more than one-third of the outer area of
the shoe, above the sole and heel, or is present only as decorative
material,
- Embroidery emblems.
- Carnival hats.
- Small corn plasters and adhesive plasters.
Who is responsible for labeling
and when?
The manufacturer is responsible for proper labeling of textile fiber
products when they are ready for sale or delivery to the consumer. (Products
intended for export to a foreign country are exempted.)
A "manufacturer" is defined as any person or firm who manufactures,
produces or in any way processes textile fibers or products made from
them.
A textile fiber product is considered "ready for sale or delivery"
to the ultimate consumer when the manufacturing or processing of the
product is basically complete.
Small details, such as finishing a hem or attaching buttons, do not
excuse the product from the labeling requirement.
Wool must be labeled as soon as it is converted into a manufactured
form, that is, when the fiber is blended, dyed, combed or twisted in
any manner. (Products intended for export to a foreign country are exempted.)
The importer is responsible for proper labeling of imported textile
products. The U.S. Customs Office may refuse to allow products into
the country if they are not properly labeled.
Custom merchants and tailors are responsible for showing properly labeled
bolts, samples and swatches to customers.
The finished, custom-made garments must be accompanied at the time
of delivery by an invoice or other paper showing the information that
would otherwise be required to appear on a label.
Recordkeeping
Every manufacturer of a textile fiber product covered by the Act must
keep written records showing the fiber content of all of those products.
Records must be maintained for three years.
Information required
For all covered textile and wool products, an attached label and the
packaging must identify, in English:
(1) where the product was processed or manufactured,
(2) its fiber content,
(3) the name of the manufacturer (or distributor).
Advertisements in foreign language newspapers or periodicals need not
be in English, but must comply in all other respects with the Act and
Regulations.
Country of origin
Textile fiber products that are imported must be labeled with the "Country
of Origin"—the place where the textile product (yarn, fabric or
product) was processed or manufactured.
Textile fiber products completely made in the United States, of materials
made in the United States, must be labeled using the phrase "Made in
the U.S.A." or some equivalent.
Textile fiber products made in the United States, in whole or in part,
of imported materials, must be labeled to show this: "Made in USA of
imported fabric," or "Knitted in USA of imported yarn."
Textile fiber products partially manufactured in a foreign country
and partially in the United States must be labeled to show this.
The English name of the foreign country must be used. For example:
"Sewn in USA of imported fabrics," or "Made in (foreign country), finished
in USA."
The term "country" means the political entity known as a nation. The
country where the product was principally made is considered the country
where the product was processed or manufactured.
Additional work done in another country must make a basic change in
the form of the product in order to be considered the country of origin.
Abbreviations that clearly indicate the name of a country, such as
Gt. Britain for Great Britain, are acceptable.
Mail order advertising
The description of a textile fiber product advertised in a mail order
catalog or promotional material must include a clear statement that
the product was either made in the United States, imported or both.
Other words and phrases with the same meaning are allowed.
Fiber content
All fibers present in the amount of five percent or more of the total
fiber weight of the textile fiber product must be identified:
45% Nylon
45% Polyester
5% Rayon
5% Other fibers
Except where another name is permitted under the Act and Regulations,
the generic name must be used—cotton, silk, nylon, for example.
A trademark name may also be included.
When a textile fiber product contains the hair or fiber of a fur-bearing
animal, the name of the animal may be used along with the words fiber,
hair or blend
For example:
80% Rabbit Hair
or
20% Mink Fiber
The term "fur fiber" may be used to describe the hair or fur fiber
of any animal other than the sheep, lamb, Angora goat, Cashmere goat,
camel, alpaca, llama or vicuna (these are wool-bearing animals).
The generic term for fibers made from sheep, lamb, Angora goat, Cashmere
goat, camel, alpaca, llama or vicuna is wool.
The name of the specialty fiber may be used instead of the word "wool"
as long as all the other requirements are met. When the name of the
specialty fiber is used in the label, the same name must be used when
the fiber is referred to in other required or non-required information.
For example, a wool label may read:
55% Alpaca
45% Camel Hair
A wool blend label may read:
35% recycled Vicuna
35% Recycled Llama
30% Cotton
A fiber containing hair of the Angora goat known as "mohair" or hair
or fleece of the Cashmere goat known as "cashmere," may be referred
to as "Cashmere" or "Angora" instead of "wool," as long as the other
requirements are also met.
The fiber must be described in the same way in any other information
included with the product, such as the manufacturer's tags that describe
the product. These terms may not be used in the information if they
are not used on the fiber content disclosure (e.g., on the label).
If the textile fiber contains five percent or more wool or recycled
wool (see the Glossary at the end of this publication)
the fiber must be described as wool or recycled wool.
The terms "virgin" or "new" refer to fibers that have never been reclaimed
from any spun, woven, knitted, felted, braided, bonded or otherwise manufactured
or used product. These terms may be used in the product description only
when either the entire product or the entire section of the product being
described is composed wholly of new or virgin fiber.
Fibers present in amounts less than five percent must be described
as "other fiber(s)" unless that fiber affects the performance of the
fabric. In that case, the amount of the fiber and the
significance of the fiber must be specified: "4% spandex for elasticity."
Manufacturer's name and Registered Identification Number
The name of the manufacturer of the product must appear on the label.
The "name" is the name under which the person is doing business.
A word trademark, if it is registered in the U.S. Patent Office, may
be used instead of the name as long as the owner of the trademark has
filed a copy of the registration with the FTC before it is used.
A company may use a Registered Identification Number (RN), issued by
the FTC, instead of its name. RN numbers are not transferable; they
must only be used by the person to whom they are issued. Improper use
may result in cancellation of the number.
To obtain a Registered Identification Number, copy, complete and send
the application form to the FTC. The form is included here.
Arrangement of information
on the label
All required information must appear on the same side of the label.
It must be legible and easy for the consumer to see. Information on
fiber content must appear all in the same size and boldness of type,
with these exceptions:
(a) The RN may appear on the reverse side of the label. It must be
accessible and easy to read.
(b) The required name or RN may appear on a separate label near the
label with the other required information.
(c) The required content information may appear on the reverse side
of the label if this statement—"Fiber content on reverse side"—appears
on the front of the label. Only one end of the label may be sewn to
the product.
The information required on the label must be in the following order:
- The generic names of fibers that make up at least five percent of
the textile product must be listed in order of weight. List "other
fibers" last.
- The name or RN of the manufacturer, importer, or person(s) marketing
or handling the product.
- The name of the country of origin. Any fiber that is used for its
insulating ability in a product's linings, interlinings, fillings
or paddings (such as a running suit lining) rather than for structural
purposes (such as a suit coat lining) must be listed separately.
For example, a label on a raincoat with a zip-out lining might read:
SHELL:
65% polyester
35% Cotton
LINER:
40% Acrylic
20% Wool
35% Polyester
5% other fibers
Non-required information may appear on the same label as the required
information or it may appear on a separate label. If it is on the same
label, it should be separated from the required information in some
way.
The non-required information must not conflict or interfere with the
required information.
No false or deceptive information may appear on the label. Honest descriptions
of a fiber may be used with the fiber's generic name—100% combed
cotton, for example.
If the product is comprised wholly of one fiber, except for ornamentation,
decoration, elastic, or trimming that does not require disclosure, the
terms "All" or "100%" may be used with the generic name of the fiber
and any qualifying phrase when needed (e.g., 100% Acetate, Exclusive
of Decoration; All Nylon, Exclusive of Elastic).
Any upholstered product, mattress or cushion that contains stuffing
that has already been used as stuffing in any other upholstered product,
mattress or cushion must have a tag or label at least 2 inches by 3
inches in size stamped or printed in English, in plain type not less
than 1/8 inch high, indicating that all or part of the stuffing is reused,
secondhand, previously used or used.
Placement of labels
The required labels on textile products and on the packaging of textile
products must be securely attached.
They must be placed where they can be seen and they must be durable
enough to remain attached to the product and its package throughout
the distribution cycle until it is delivered to the consumer.
If the product has a neck opening, the label must be attached to the
inside center of the opening midway between the shoulder seams. However,
if another label is attached there, the required label may be attached
nearby as long as it remains easy to see.
If the label attached at or near the neck gives the country of origin,
then the label containing the country of origin, fiber content and RN
or name of the company may appear in another easy-to-see place on the
inside or outside of the garment.
Products without neck openings must have the label attached to a conspicuous
spot on the inside or outside of the product. Hosiery products, however,
may be labeled on the packaging as long as all of the required information
is included and as long as the information pertains to all the textile
products in the package.
Substitution of
labels
A firm may remove the required labels attached by the manufacturer
or distributor and substitute its own label as long as the label shows
identical content and origin information. The new label must give the
name or registered identification number of the firm attaching the substitute
label.
The substitute label must comply with all requirements of the Acts
and Regulations. It must be attached securely and where it can be seen.
If removing the original label also removes required care instructions,
these must also be replaced.
According to the FTC, most purchasers of textile fiber products for
resale require their suppliers to guarantee that their products are
not misbranded, nor falsely nor deceptively advertised or invoiced under
the provisions of the Act. To satisfy this need, manufacturers may provide
an individual guaranty with each shipment or they may file a Continuing
Guaranty with the Federal Trade Commission. A copy of the Continuing
Guaranty form (which must be filed in duplicate) is included here.
A care label is a permanent label or tag that contains regular care
information and instructions. The label must be attached so that it
will remain on the product and remain readable during the useful life
of the product (see Average Life Expectancy table).
The care label must state what regular care is needed for the ordinary
use of the product. Regular care is defined as: "customary and routine
care" of the garment, not spot care.
In general, labels for textile wearing apparel must have either a washing
instruction or a dry cleaning instruction.
If a garment can be either washed or dry cleaned, only one of the cleaning
methods has to be mentioned on the care label.
The label must state if the product cannot safely be cleaned. For example,
if a product would be harmed by washing because it is made from a fragile
silk and harmed by dry cleaning because the attached sequins would melt
in the dry cleaning chemicals, it must be labeled "Do not wash—do
not dry clean" or "Cannot be successfully cleaned."
What products must have
care labels?
Textile wearing apparel, with certain exceptions, must be sold with
an attached care label.
Textile wearing apparel is defined by the FTC as "any finished garment
or article of clothing made from a textile product that is customarily
used to cover or protect any part of the body, including hosiery and
scarves, excluding footwear, gloves, hats or other articles used exclusively
to cover or protect the head or hands."
Care information also must appear on the end of each bolt or roll of
certain piece goods—fabrics sold at retail on a piece-by-piece
basis from bolts, pieces or rolls for use in home sewing.
The following clothing products are not required to have permanently
attached care labels, but the manufacturer is required to provide temporary
labels that consumers can read at the point of purchase:
- Reversible clothing without pockets.
- Products that may be washed, bleached, dried, ironed or dry cleaned
by the harshest procedures available.
If attaching a permanent care label would harm the appearance or usefulness
of a product, the manufacturer may request an exemption in writing from
the Secretary of the FTC. The request must be accompanied by a labeled
sample of the product and a full statement explaining why the request
should be granted.
Products for which no care instructions are required:
- Leather, suede and fur garments (they are not textiles).
- Gloves, hats and footwear used to cover or protect the head, feet
or hands.
- Ties, belts and other items not used to cover or protect part of
the body (unless they are part of a garment).
- Household articles—including but not limited to linens, draperies,
upholstery and slipcovers.
- Products sold to institutional buyers for commercial use. This includes
rental service companies, nursing homes, hospitals, colleges and universities,
local, state and federal institutions, hotels, motels and other bulk
purchasers of uniforms and employee work clothes.
- Garments to be custom-made of material provided by the consumer.
- Products granted exemptions under an older version of the Rule because
they were completely washable by any method and sold at retail for
$3 or less. If the product no longer meets the standards for the exemption—for
example, if the product now sells for more than $3—the exemption
is automatically revoked.
- Trim (up to 5 inches wide) sold as piece goods such as ribbon, lace,
rick-rack, tape, belting, binding and braid.
- Manufacturer's remnants up to 10 yards long when the remnants are
clearly and conspicuously marked as "pound goods" or "fabric
of undetermined origin" and the fiber content of the remnants
is not known and cannot readily be determined. If the fiber content
of the remnant is known, it is not excluded. Remnants created at the
retail level, or by the manufacturer at the request of the retailer,
also are not excluded.
Who is responsible for
labeling and when?
Manufacturers and importers of textile wearing apparel and of piece
goods to be sold at retail are responsible for providing regular care
instructions on an attached label.
Care labels do not have to be attached when products enter the United
States, but they must be attached before these products are sold.
A manufacturer or importer must have reliable evidence, such as test
results, for the information given.
Information required
A care label must give full care instructions about one regular care
method for the garment or, if a garment cannot be cleaned without harm,
the label must provide warnings. If the instructions given are followed,
they must not hurt the product.
If there are procedures consumers might assume to be safe, but that
would actually harm the product, the label must warn against these procedures.
For example, if a pair of pants cannot safely be ironed, the label
must state:
"Do not iron." If the garment is not colorfast, its label should state,
"Wash with like colors" or "Wash separately."
These care instructions must be attached to the product on a permanent
label that remains readable for as long as the garment might be expected
to be used by a consumer. (See The American National Standards Institute's
life expectancy table.)
There must be reliable evidence that the product will not be harmed
when cleaned according to the instructions on the label.
There must also be reliable evidence that the product was harmed when
cleaned by methods warned against on the label. For example, the manufacturer
must be able to show that a shirt labeled, "Machine wash, Tumble dry.
Cool iron" may be successfully machine washed in hot water with any
type of bleach, tumble dried at a high setting and ironed with a cool
iron.
The manufacturer does not, however, have to show that a shirt labeled
"Machine wash warm, Tumble dry medium," would be harmed if washed in
hot water or dried on a high setting.
|
Average Life
Expectancy of Textile Items in Years
|
|
APPAREL
Bathing Suits
Bathrobes
Lightweight
Heavy or quilted
Wool
Blazers
Cotton and blends
Imitation suede*
Wool
Coats and Jackets (Outerwear)
Children's
Cotton and blends
Down
Fur
Imitation fur or suede*
Leather and suede
Plastic
Wool
Blouses
Choir Robes
Dresses
Causal
Office
Silk
Evening
High Fashion
Basic
Formal Wear
Gloves
Fabric
Leather
Rainwear and windbreakers
Film and plastic coated
Fabric, lined & unlined
Rubber and plastic
Shirts
Dress
Sports
Wool or silk
Ski jackets
(including down)
Skirts
Slacks
Lounging and
active sport
Dress
Socks
|
2
2
3
3
3
4
2
3
3
10
3
5
2
4
3
6
2
3
2
3
5
1
2
2
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
3
1
|
|
|
Sport coats
Cotton and synthetic blends
Imitation suede*
Wool and wool blends
Suits
Cotton and synthetic
Summer-weight wool
Imitation suede*
Silk
Washable
Winter-weight wool
Sweaters
Ties
Underwear
Foundation garments
Panties
Slips
Uniforms
Vests
HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS
Bedspreads
Blankets
Heavy wool
and synthetic fibers
Lightweight
Electric
Comforters
Down
Curtains
Sheer
Glass fiber
Draperies
Lined
Unlined
Sheer
Glass fiber
Sheets and pillow cases
Slipcovers
Table Linen
Fancy
Other
Towels
Upholstery Fabrics
|
3
3
4
2
3
3
3
2
4
3
1
1
1
2
1
2
6
10
5
5
5
5
3
3
5
4
3
4
2
3
5
2
3
5
|
*Nonwoven only. Life expectancy for coated or flocked articles
is two years.
|
| Reprinted by permission of the International Fabricare
Institute. Table taken from the "Fair Claims Guide for Consumer
Textile Products," American National Standards Institute, Inc.,
1988. © 1988 by IFI. All Rights Reserved. |
The FTC recommends using symbols in addition to words to communicate
care procedures, but the words alone must fulfill the requirements.
A guide to Care Symbols, produced by the American Society for Testing
and Materials and reprinted with their permission, is included on the
inside back cover of this publication. If symbols are used, laundering
instructions must include at least four symbols: washing, bleaching
drying and ironing. Dry cleaning instructions must include one symbol.
The terms used for writing care instructions have been specifically
defined by the FTC. The official definitions are listed in the glossary
at the end of this document.
Instructions must be given in the following order: Washing/dry cleaning,
bleaching, drying and ironing.
 |
The label must specify whether the product should be washed by
hand or by machine and an appropriate water temperature, if regular
use of hot water would harm the product.
FOR EXAMPLE
Machine Wash, Warm. |
MEANING
Use washing machine and warm (not hot) water.
|
| Hand Wash, Cold. |
Wash by hand (not
by machine) in cold (not hot or warm) water. |
|
 |
No special instructions are required if all commercially available
bleaches may be used safely on a regular basis. If regular use
of chlorine bleach would harm the product, but regular use of
non-chlorine bleach would not, the label must say: "Only non-chlorine
bleach when needed." If all commercially available bleaches used
regularly would harm the product, the label must say; "No bleach"
or "Do not bleach."
FOR EXAMPLE
Machine wash, Warm.
Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. |
MEANING
Non-chlorine bleach can safely be used, but regular use
of chlorine bleach would harm the product.
|
|
 |
The label must say whether the product should be dried by machine
or by some other method. If regular use of high temperature will
harm the product, an appropriate temperature setting is required.
FOR EXAMPLE
Machine wash, Warm.
Tumble dry, Medium. |
MEANING
Medium or low dryer temperature settings can safely be used,
but not hot.
|
|
 |
Ironing information must be given if ironing will be needed on
a regular basis. If regular use of a hot iron will not harm the
product, no temperature setting need be mentioned.
FOR EXAMPLE
Machine wash, Warm. Tumble dry, Medium. Warm iron. |
MEANING
Iron on a medium temperature (not the hottest) setting.
|
|
 |
If the consumer might reasonably think a washing procedure could
be used when that procedure actually would harm the product, the
label must contain a warning such as "Do not," "No," "Only," or
another clear wording to warn against the harmful procedure. For
example, if a garment cannot safely be ironed, but the consumer
might be expected to occasionally "touch up" the item, the label
must state "Do not iron."
If a garment might cause harm to another item being washed with
it, a warning must be given. For example, if an item is not colorfast,
the label must say, "Wash with like colors" or "Wash separately."
Warnings are not required for alternate procedures that may be
harmful.
For example, if the instructions state "Dry flat," it is not
necessary to state "Do not tumble dry." If washing would be harmful,
it is not necessary to state "Do not wash" when the instructions
state "Dry clean."
|
 |
If all commercially available dry cleaning solvents can be used,
the label does not have to specifically mention any particular
type of solvent. If one or more solvents would harm the product,
a solvent that is safe to use must be mentioned.
"Professionally dry clean" implies a special instruction or limitation
for safely dry cleaning the product. The special instructions
must be given with the care instructions. Because special handling
is required, "Professionally Dry Clean" also means that the garment
may not be cleaned in self-service dry cleaning machines.
FOR EXAMPLE
Professionally dry clean.
Fluorocarbon or petroleum. |
MEANING
Item can be dry cleaned by any commercial establishment
using fluorocarbon or petroleum. (Perchlorethylene solvent
should not be used.)
|
|
 |
Any part of the dry cleaning process that will harm the product
must have a warning on the label. "Do not," "No," "Only," or other
clear wording must be used.
EXAMPLE
Professionally dry clean.
Reduced Moisture. |
MEANING
Moisture addition to solvent should be reduced to decrease
solvent's relative humidity. (Do not use moisture addition
to solvent up to 75 percent relative humidity.)
|
| Professional dry clean.
Cabinet dry warm. No steam. |
Cabinet dry at a temperature
up to 120 degrees F. (Do not tumble dry.) No steam should
be used in pressing, finishing, steam cabinets or wands. |
|
Placement of labels
Care labels on clothing must be fastened so that they can be seen or
easily found by consumers. Unlike country of origin labels and fiber
content labels, the care label does not need to be sewn into the garment
neck.
Care labels are often sewn into the side seams of garments. If the
garment label cannot be read because of the packaging, additional care
information must appear on the outside of the package or on a hang tag
fastened to the product.
Piece goods sold to consumers for making home-sewn apparel must be
clearly labeled with regular care information on the end of each roll
or bolt. The information given must apply to the actual fabric on the
roll or bolt.
Care information may be placed on the selvage (the two side edges of
a woven fabric) of the material, on the end of the "board" on which
the goods are wound, on a tag attached to the selvage or the "board
end," or on any other position at the end of the roll where it can easily
be seen. If a tag is used, it should be attached so that it will not
become separated from the bolt until the last piece is sold.
Penalties
Failure to provide reliable care instructions and warnings for the
useful life of an item is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission
Act and could result in penalties of up to $10,000 per offense.
Other considerations
Care instructions must consider the maintenance of such things as linings,
trim, buttons and zippers. Any special statements, such as "Remove trim"
or "Close zipper," must appear in the instructions as a warning. A detachable
component, such as a zip-out lining, must be labeled separately if it
requires a different care procedure from the main product.
Additional regulations and restrictions apply to special cases including
reinforcing fibers, pile fibers, ornamentation, trims and stuffing.
Questions about any of these regulations should be directed to the
Federal Trade Commission, Enforcement Division, Bureau of Consumer Protection,
Washington, D.C. 10580 or the nearest Federal Trade Commission Regional
Office. Missouri's regional office is located at 55 East Monroe Street,
Chicago, IL 60630, (312) 353-4423.
Beddings
|
Federal Trade Commission
Publications
Rules and Regulations Under the
Textile Fiber Products Identification Act.
Questions and Answers Relating to
the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and Regulations.
Rules and Regulations Under the Wool
Products Labeling Act of 1939.
Questions and Answers Relating to
the Wool Products Labeling Act and Regulations.
A Direct Marketer's Guide to Labeling
Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts. A Federal Trade
Commission Manual for Business developed in cooperation with the
Direct Marketing Association.
|
Sheets, covers, blankets, comforters, pillows, pillowcases, quilts,
bedspreads, pads, and all other textile fiber products used or intended
to be used about a bed or other place for reclining or sleeping. Does
not include furniture, mattresses or box springs.
Care label
(defined in the Care Labeling Rule)
A permanent label or 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.
Dry clean
(defined in the Care Labeling Rule)
A commercial process by which soil is removed from products in a machine
that uses common organic solvent (e.g., petroleum, perchlorethylene,
fluorocarbon). The process may also include adding moisture to the solvent,
up to 75 percent relative humidity, hot tumble drying up to 160 degrees
F (71 degrees C) and restoration by steam press or steam-air finishing.
Exempted products
Any products not covered by the rule.
Fabric
Any material woven, knitted, felted, or otherwise produced from or in
combination with, any natural or manufactured fiber, yarn or substitute.
Fiber
The basic unit of a textile raw material such as cotton or wool that
forms the basic element or "building block" of fabrics and other textile
structures. Fibers may be single-celled seed hairs like cotton, multicellular
structures such as wool, or man-made filaments like nylon, polyester
and rayon. Most fibers have a length at least 100 times their diameter.
Fibers are commonly spun, twisted or pulled into yarns (threads) for
weaving, knitting or felting into fabric.
Fiber trademark
A word or words used by a person to identify a particular fiber produced
or sold by him and to distinguish it from fibers of the same generic
class produced or sold by others.
Generic fiber name
A name that the Federal Trade Commission assigns to a man-made fiber.
This name must be used when disclosing information required under the
Wool and Textile Acts.
Headwear
Any textile fiber product worn exclusively on or about the head or face
by individuals.
Household textile articles
Articles of wearing apparel, costumes and accessories, draperies, floor
coverings, furnishings, beddings, and other textile goods of a type
customarily used in a household, regardless of where they are actually
used.
|
For more information,
contact the Direct Marketing Association, Inc., or the FTC
at the addresses listed below.
Direct Marketing Association,
Inc.
6 East 43rd Street
New York, New York 10017
Federal Trade Commission
6th & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 326-2222
FTC regional offices:
1718 Peachtree St., NW
Atlanta, GA 30367
(404) 347-4836
10 Causeway St.
Boston, MA 02222-1073
(617) 565-7240
55 East Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 50530
(312) 353-4423
118 St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 522-4207
8303 Elmbrook Drive
Dallas, TX 75247
(214) 767-7050
1405 Curtis St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-2271
11000 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(213) 209-7890
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-1207
901 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 995-5220
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98174
(206) 442-4655
|
Label
The stamp, tag, label or other means of identification, or authorized
substitute therefor, required to be on or affixed to textile fiber products
by the Act or Regulations and on which the information required is to
appear.
Mail order catalog and mail order promotional material
Any printed materials used in the direct sale or direct offering for
sale of textile products that are distributed or shown to consumers
and that solicit consumers to purchase such textile products by mail,
telephone or some other method without examining the actual product
purchased.
Machine wash
(defined in the Care Labeling Rule)
A process by which soil is removed from products in a specially designed
machine using water, detergent or soap and agitation. When no temperature
is given, e.g., "warm" or "cold," [it is to be assumed that] hot water
up to 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) can be regularly used.
Manufacturer
Every person or firm who manufactures, produces or in any way processes
textile fibers or products made from them, whether such fibers are manufactured
or natural, is a manufacturer of textile fiber products.
Ornamentation
Any fibers or yarns imparting a visibly discernible pattern or design
to a yarn or fabric.
Outer coverings of furniture, mattresses and box springs
Those coverings that are permanently incorporated in such articles.
Piece goods
Fabrics or trim over 5 inches wide, sold on a piece-by-piece basis from
bolts, pieces or rolls for use in home sewing of textile wearing apparel.
Regular care
(defined in the Care Labeling Rule)
Customary and routine care, not spot care.
Textile product
(defined in the Care Labeling Rule)
Any commodity, woven, knit, or otherwise made primarily of fiber, yarn
or fabric and intended for sale or resale, requiring care and maintenance
for ordinary use and enjoyment.
Textile wearing apparel
(defined in the Care Labeling Rule)
Any finished garment or article of clothing made from a textile product
that is customarily used to cover or protect any part of the body, including
hosiery, excluding footwear, gloves, hats or other articles used exclusively
to cover or protect the head or hands.
Upholstered product
Articles of furniture containing stuffing. Includes mattresses and box
springs.
Wearing apparel
Any costume or article of clothing or covering for any part of the body
worn or intended to be worn by individuals.
Wool
The fiber from the fleece of the sheep or lamb, or hair of the Angora
or Cashmere goat that has never been reclaimed from any woven or felted
wool product. It also may include "specialty fibers" from the hair of
the camel, alpaca, llama and vicuna.
Wool, recycled
The resulting fiber when wool that has been used in any way by the consumer,
or wool that has been made into a fibrous state without ever having
been used in any way by the consumer, is spun, woven, knitted, or felted
into another wool product.
Wool product
Any product or portion of a product that contains, claims that it contains,
or in any way is represented as containing wool or recycled wool.
Wool, virgin
Entirely new or virgin fiber that has never been used in any spun, woven,
knitted, felted, braided, bonded, or otherwise manufactured product,
including yarn or fabric.
|
APPLICATION FOR A REGISTERED IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ("RN")
|
|
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE
|
|
RN: ____________________________ |
| DATE ISSUED: __________________ |
UPDATED: ______________________ |
BY: ____________________________ |
|
1. PURPOSE OF APPLICATION.
(Both new applicants and update applicants must complete all
entries on this form.)
 |
APPLY FOR A NEW RN |
|
UPDATE INFORMATION ON AN EXISTING RN.
ENTER EXISTING RN OR WPL NUMBER___________________ |
|
| 2. LEGAL NAME OF APPLICANT
FIRM (Note: Proprietorships, please provide full legal name of the
person who is the proprietor.) |
| 3. NAME UNDER WHICH APPLICANT
DOES BUSINESS (Only if different from legal name.) |
4. TYPE OF COMPANY (If
"OTHER" is checked, please state the type of company.)
| PROPRIETORSHIP |
PARTNERSHIP |
CORPORATION |
LLC/LLP |
OTHER _________ |
|
| 5. ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL OFFICE OR
PLACE OF BUSINESS (Include zip code. Address must be actual location
where business is conducted in the US. An additional mailing
address or PO box address may also be listed, if desired.)
STREET ADDRESS (Required)
|
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL
MAILING ADDRESS
|
OPTIONAL INFORMATION
TELEPHONE NUMBER
(_____) ____________
FAX NUMBER
(_____) ____________
E-MAIL ADDRESS
_________@_________
INTERNET URL ADDRESS:
____________________
|
6. TYPE OF BUSINESS (Mark
all that apply.)
MANUFACTURING |
IMPORTING |
WHOLESALING |
RETAILING |
MAIL-ORDER |
INTERNET |
OTHER
___________ |
|
| 7. LIST PRODUCTS (To
qualify for an RN, a company must be engaged in the importation,
manufacturing, selling or other marketing of at least one (1) product
line subject to the Textile, Wool, or Fur Act.)
|
| 8. CERTIFICATION
By filing this form with the Federal Trade Commission,
the company named above applies for a registered number to use
on labels required by one or more of the following acts: the Textile
Fiber Products Identification Act (15 U.S.C. xx70-70k), the Wool
Products Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. xx68-68j), or the Fur Products
Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. xx69-69k). The company officer (proprietor,
partner, or corporate officer) listed below verifies that the
information supplied on this form is true and correct.
|
9. NAME OF COMPANY OFFICIAL (Type
or print legibly)
|
10. TITLE OF COMPANY OFFICIAL |
DATE SUBMITTED |
INSTRUCTIONS
Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act,
the Wool Products Labeling Act, and the Fur Products Labeling Act
provide that any USA company that is a manufacturer or marketer
of fiber or fur products may, in lieu of the name under which it
does business, be identified by its RN on labels required by these
statutes.
In completing this form, please observe the following:
(a) All numbered boxes must be filled in except for optional
information.
(b) PLEASE type or print legibly.
|
(c) Submit one (1) completed application:
| By Mail to: |
Federal Trade Commission
Division of Enforcement
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580 |
| Or By Fax to: |
(202) 326-3197 |
| Or Online at: |
www.ftc.gov |
|
CANCELLATION POLICY
RNs are subject to cancellation if the holder fails to
promptly submit an updated FTC Form 31 upon any change(s) in its
legal name (Line #2), type of company information (Line #4), or
business address (Line #5).
|
| FTC Form 31 (rev. 9/2000) |
If your browser does not print the application form on a single
page, please apply
online or print the PDF
version.
|
CONTINUING GUARANTY
|
| 1. LEGAL NAME OF GUARANTOR
FIRM |
| 2. NAME UNDER WHICH GUARANTOR
FIRM DOES BUSINESS, IF DIFFERENT FROM LEGAL NAME
|
3. TYPE OF COMPANY
PROPRIETORSHIP
PARTNERSHIP
CORPORATION |
| 4. ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL OFFICE OR
PLACE OF BUSINESS (Include Zip Code)
|
OPTIONAL INFORMATION
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
FAX NUMBER:
INTERNET ADDRESS:
|
5. LAW UNDER WHICH THE CONTINUING
GUARANTY IS TO BE FILED (Put an `X' in the appropriate boxes)
|
Under the Textile
Fiber Products Identification Act (15 U.S.C. § § 70-70k):
The company named above, which manufactures, markets,
or handles textile fiber products, guarantees that when
it ships or delivers any textile fiber product, the product
will not be misbranded, falsely or deceptively invoiced,
or falsely or deceptively advertised, within the meaning
of the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the
rules and regulations under that Act. |
|
Under the Wool Products
Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. § § 68-68j): The company named
above, which manufactures, markets, or handles wool products,
guarantees that when it ships or delivers any wool product,
the product will not be misbranded within the meaning
of the Wool Products Labeling Act and the rules and regulations
under that Act. |
|
Under the Fur Products
Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. § § 69-69k): The company named
above, which manufactures, markets, or handles fur products,
guarantees that when it ships or delivers any fur product,
the product will not be misbranded, falsely or deceptively
invoiced, or falsely or deceptively advertised, within
the meaning of the Fur Products Labeling Act and the rules
and regulations under that Act. |
|
| 6. CERTIFICATION
Under penalty of perjury, I certify that
the information supplied on this form is true and correct.
_______________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PROPRIETOR, PRINCIPAL PARTNER, OR CORPORATE
OFFICIAL
|
| 7. NAME (Please print or type)
|
8. TITLE |
| 9. CITY AND STATE WHERE SIGNED
|
10. DATE |
INSTRUCTIONS
| The Textile Fiber
Products Identification Act, the Wool Products Labeling
Act, and the Fur Products Labeling Act provide that any
marketer or manufacturer of fiber or fur products covered
by those Acts may file a continuing guaranty with the Federal
Trade Commission. A continuing guaranty on file assures
customer firms that the guarantor's products are in conformance
with the Act(s) under which the guarantor has filed. Customer
firms rely on the continuing guaranties for protection from
liability if violations occur.
In completing this form, please observe the
following:
(a) All appropriate blanks on the form should
be filled in. Include your Zip Code in Item 4.
(b) In Item 6, signature of proprietor, partner,
or corporate official of guarantor firm.
|
(c) Send two completed, signed original
copies to:
Federal Trade Commission
Division of Enforcement
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580
(d) Do not fax application - mail signed originals
only.
Continuing guaranties filed with the Commission
continue in effect until revoked. The guarantor must
immediately notify the Commission in writing of any
change in business status. Any change in the address
of the guarantor's principal office and place of business
must also be promptly reported.
|
DO NOT USE THIS SPACE
Filed _______________
20_____
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
|
|
|
| FTC Form 31-A (rev. 11/98) |
If your browser does not print the continuing guaranty form
on a single page, please print the PDF
version.
Guide to Care Symbols
 |
[click on Guide to Care Symbols thumbnail to the left for full-size,
printable PDF document
[51k]
Note: The Guide to Care Symbols chart has
been reproduced by the University of Missouri under license
from ASTM. The chart is reprinted from the ASTM Care Labeling
System D 5489, Standard Guide for Permanent Care Labels on Consumer
Textile Products © 1993 American Society for Testing and
Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA. (phone:
215/299-5585, fax: 215/977-9679). Copies of the official standard
should be obtained directly from ASTM.
|
NOTE: This guide is also available in print format. To
order, request MP712, Writing Labels for Textile Products ($2).
Disclaimer: The information in this publication has been taken from
available sources and is for the educational use of clients only. Interpretation
and clarification of technical and/or unclear wording has been attempted
where appropriate to the best of our ability. The authors claim no responsibility
for the use of this information. Users must assume all responsibility
for the results of the use of this publication. Mention of any commercial
enterprise, brand name or trade name does not imply endorsement or preference.
Failure to list a particular enterprise or brand name does not imply
criticism.
Acknowledgments:
Developed by the Missouri Textile and Apparel Center, University
of Missouri-Columbia, University Extension.
Authored by: Sharon Stevens and Susan Henson,
Missouri Textile and Apparel Center (MO-TAC),
University of Missouri, 573-882-6430
Copyright
© 1999 University of Missouri. Published by University
Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia.
Date Reviewed: 3/15/02
