In July 2021, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to retain the US Care Labeling Rule for apparel and certain textile goods.
In July 2020, the FTC had voted to propose a repeal of the US Care Labeling Rule, which had been in effect since 1971. The rule requires manufacturers and importers of garments and some textile goods to attach a label that provides clear and accurate care instructions covering dry cleaning or washing, bleaching, drying and ironing.
The FTC’s consultation received over 200 comments, the majority of which opposed the repeal. Individuals and small business objected because consumers rely on these labels to extend the lives of their clothes. Manufacturing and cleaning businesses stated the removal of these labels would also increase the likelihood that items would be damaged in cleaning, thus exposing them to unnecessary liability.
The FTC periodically reviews the Care Labeling Rule to ensure it remains up to date with new developments and continues to provide useful information to consumers. It also considers ways to improve rule requirements to the benefit of US consumers and businesses.
SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full U.S. FTC Retains Care Labelling Requirement for Apparel SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.