Apparel: Permanent Care Instructions and Supporting Evidence

Part 423 defines covered textile wearing apparel and certain piece goods sold for making apparel. It contains product exclusions and exemptions with specific conditions. Do not assume that every textile household item needs a garment care label or that a product excluded from this rule is excluded from fiber-content or safety requirements. Care-labeling regulation.

Care information needs to address the whole garment, including trim, linings, closures and other components that could react differently to cleaning. One safe regular-care method can satisfy the relevant requirement when supported and complete. If several methods are stated, each needs an adequate basis; instructions cannot simply reflect what is convenient for the factory. FTC care guide.

The rule addresses washing or drycleaning instructions and the warnings needed to avoid substantial harm during regular care. A warning is necessary when a procedure reasonably assumed consistent with the stated method would damage the article. Instructions should therefore be reviewed as a complete sequence rather than as isolated symbols or temperature words. Part 423.

The business must possess a reasonable basis for the care information before sale. Evidence can involve relevant experience, testing or other reliable information under the rule. Evaluate whether the evidence covers the finished construction and materials. A fabric mill’s recommendation may not address an added decoration, adhesive or contrasting component. FTC explanation of support.

Covered apparel generally carries a permanent label that remains attached and legible through its useful life, with applicable visibility provisions. Piece goods have different mechanisms. Check the actual label, attachment and presentation, including circumstances where packaging hides information. A loose marketing insert is not automatically an acceptable substitute for the required permanent care label. FTC rule resource.

Connect the label method and warnings to the material and construction evidence. Reassess when fabric, trim, dye, finishing or assembly changes affect cleaning performance. Keep fiber, origin and business disclosures aligned with their separate rules. Rule-review notices or proposed changes should not be read as repeal of the currently codified duties. Current Part 423.