The American FTC is establishing new labelling Rules for clothing
The FTC, belonging to the American Federal Trade Commission, is currently reviewing all FTC rules and guidelines and is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the FTC Rule that requires manufacturers and importers to attach labels with care instructions for garments and certain piece goods
The rule on Care Labelling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods has been in effect since 1971. The FTC has been seeking public comment on the overall costs, benefits, and necessity of the Care Labelling Rule in 2011. Based on a review of comments, the agency has concluded that the Rule continues to benefit costumers and will be retained and is now seeking up to November 16 comments on potential updates to the Rule, including changes that would allow manufacturers and importers, if they choose, to include professional instructions for wet cleaning, an environmentally friendly alternative to dry cleaning and on labels, if the garment can be wet cleaned. It would permit manufacturers to use updated ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) symbols on labels in lieu of written terms providing care instructions and update and expand the definition of “dry clean” to reflect current practices and account for