{"id":28,"date":"2026-10-05T19:12:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T19:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/labelaccord.com\/blog\/?p=28"},"modified":"2026-10-05T19:18:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T19:18:04","slug":"us-care-labels-ftc-astm-symbols","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/labelaccord.com\/blog\/us-care-labels-ftc-astm-symbols\/","title":{"rendered":"US Care Labels: FTC Requirements and ASTM Symbols Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Factual review: 6 October 2026. US federal rules; focus on ordinary adult textile clothing. The retrieved regulation was current through 1 October 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n

Before approving a care label for clothing sold in the United States, a brand needs reliable evidence that its instructions are suitable for the garment. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Care Labeling Rule governs both the information supplied and its presentation. Care symbols are optional, and the rule identifies a specific ASTM system when symbols replace words. 16 CFR Part 423<\/a><\/p>\n

Check whether the FTC care rule applies<\/h2>\n

The rule covers manufacturers and importers of textile wearing apparel, including businesses directing or controlling manufacture or import. Its clothing definition includes hosiery but excludes footwear, gloves, hats and other articles used exclusively for the head or hands. Separate provisions address certain fabrics sold for home sewing. Sections 423.1, 423.3 and 423.4<\/a><\/p>\n

Exemptions have conditions. For example, a totally reversible garment without pockets can be exempt from a permanent care label, but consumers must still receive conspicuous care information before purchase. Section 423.8(a)\u2013(c)<\/a><\/p>\n

Establish the evidence before choosing instructions<\/h2>\n

Consider the whole garment<\/h3>\n

Manufacturers and importers must have a reasonable basis for care information before sale. The rule recognises several forms of reliable evidence, including testing, current technical literature, past experience and industry expertise. It does not prescribe one universal laboratory test programme for every garment. Sections 423.5(a)(5) and 423.6(c)<\/a><\/p>\n

Evidence about individual components must also support the assembled garment. The FTC illustrates this with colour transfer: satisfactory component tests do not justify washing instructions if one part bleeds onto another during washing. FTC guidance: Reasonable Basis<\/a><\/p>\n

For a product team, that means reviewing the fabric, lining, trims, print, fastenings and their interaction. Fibre composition alone is an inadequate starting point for approving finished-garment care.<\/p>\n

Support warnings as well as the chosen method<\/h3>\n

Choosing drycleaning as a supported method is different from stating \u201cDryclean only\u201d. The FTC says that the latter needs evidence that washing would damage the garment. Adding a restrictive warning simply to appear cautious does not establish that evidence. FTC guidance: Reasonable Basis and Drycleaning Instructions<\/a><\/p>\n

Write a complete washing or drycleaning instruction<\/h2>\n

Generally, the label needs a washing or drycleaning instruction. Where both methods are suitable, one supported method is sufficient; both may be given if substantiated. If no available cleaning method avoids harm, the label must say so. Section 423.6(b)<\/a><\/p>\n

For a washing route, check each element below. These are conditional requirements, rather than a requirement to print five icons on every label. Section 423.6(b)(1)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Element<\/th>\nWhat the label needs to communicate<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Washing<\/td>\nHand or machine washing, with a suitable water temperature. Temperature may be omitted if regular hot-water use up to 145\u00b0F\/63\u00b0C will not harm the product.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drying<\/td>\nMachine drying or another method. For machine drying, state a suitable temperature unless regular high heat is safe.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ironing<\/td>\nInstructions when ironing is regularly needed to preserve appearance, or a warning where required. If ironing is specified, give a suitable temperature unless regular hot ironing is safe.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bleaching<\/td>\nBleach information may be omitted if all commercially available bleaches are safe in regular use. If all would harm the product, state \u201cNo bleach\u201d or \u201cDo not bleach\u201d. If chlorine bleach would harm it but non-chlorine bleach would not, state \u201cOnly non-chlorine bleach, when needed\u201d.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings<\/td>\nIdentify reasonably expected steps within the prescribed procedure that could harm this garment or others cleaned with it. Use clear wording.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The practical consequence is that silence can convey permission. A shorter label needs the evidence to support what it leaves unsaid.<\/p>\n

Warnings are not required for every alternative procedure. The FTC explains that an instruction to dry flat does not also require a warning against tumble drying. FTC guidance: Washing Instructions<\/a><\/p>\n

For drycleaning, identify a usable solvent type unless all commercially available types are safe. Include necessary warnings about damaging parts of the process. This requires a separate assessment from the washing route. Section 423.6(b)(2)<\/a><\/p>\n

Decide whether to use words, ASTM symbols or both<\/h2>\n

Words can satisfy the rule. Appropriate symbols may accompany them, provided the words fulfil the requirements. The conditional permission for symbols to replace words specifically names ASTM D5489-96c<\/strong> and still requires the instructions to satisfy the rule. Sections 423.2<\/a> and 423.8(g)<\/a><\/p>\n

Do not assume that an ISO symbol set or a later ASTM edition automatically qualifies for that word-replacement route. Check the edition behind the artwork supplied by your label provider. The rule’s explanatory-information transition began in July 1997; it is not a new waiting period for today’s brands. Section 423.8(g)<\/a><\/p>\n

ASTM care-symbol reference<\/h3>\n

The ASTM Guide to Care Symbols hosted by the FTC<\/a> groups symbols for washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and drycleaning, with variations and warnings. Use it to understand the system’s structure; the garment’s evidence determines which instructions are appropriate.<\/p>\n

The linked chart is a historical reference scan with no edition identifier printed on it. It is not a substitute for the applicable standard or verified production artwork.<\/p>\n

Check attachment, durability and visibility<\/h2>\n

For covered garments without an applicable exemption, the care label must remain attached and legible throughout the product’s useful life. Consumers must be able to see or easily find it at sale. If packaging, folding or display prevents that, additional care information must appear outside the package or on an attached hangtag. Sections 423.1(a) and 423.6(a)<\/a><\/p>\n

Review a physical sample as well as the artwork. A preview can show wording and layout; it cannot establish that the printed label will survive the garment’s care routine.<\/p>\n

Approve the care label with an evidence record<\/h2>\n

Keep a practical approval record covering:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Product scope and any applicable exemption.<\/li>\n
  2. Evidence supporting care of the whole garment.<\/li>\n
  3. A complete, supported cleaning method.<\/li>\n
  4. Necessary warnings and the meaning of omitted instructions.<\/li>\n
  5. The chosen word or symbol route and artwork reference.<\/li>\n
  6. Attachment, legibility and visibility in the sale presentation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    labelAccord helps brands generate care-label content and layouts from instructions and symbols selected by the brand.<\/p>\n

    Related guides<\/h2>\n