Care Tag
A care tag is a legally required label for consumer products such as textile products that conveys information such as composition and care methods in accordance with prescribed labeling items and methods.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Regulatory Position
A care tag is not a certification mark or a certificate guaranteeing the performance of materials; it is a system for displaying the information consumers need in order to select, use, and care for products properly. For textile products, the display is considered in accordance with the Textile Product Quality Labeling Regulations under the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act.
The textile products covered and the required labeling items vary depending on the product type and form. For apparel products, the usual checks include fiber composition, care instructions, and the name or title and address of the labeler.
Scope and Basic Approach to Composition Labeling
Composition labeling indicates the types of fibers used in the product and their blend ratio. If the material or applications differ within the product, such as the outer fabric, lining, padding, or separate fabric, you need to distinguish and organize which part the composition refers to.
Do not decide based only on the composition shown in the fabric specification sheet. Check whether labeling is required, including auxiliary materials, lining, padding, and embroidery thread used in the product. Keep the basis for the composition traceable through specification sheets, test reports, or composition certificates received from suppliers.
- For blended fabric, check the fiber names and blend ratio.
- If the outer fabric and lining are different, organize the composition for each.
- If non-standard fibers are included, check the labeling name and notation method.
- For claims related to recycling or regenerated materials, check supporting documents separately from the composition label.
Checks in Procurement and Product Development
When procuring fabric, check lot by lot whether the composition at the time of ordering matches the specification sheet at delivery. If you change fabric, use an alternative fabric, piece-dye the product, or apply after-processing, review the label content based on the final product specifications.
By clearly stating the material by part, blend ratio, care instructions, label placement, and labeler information in the specification sheet, you can reduce misunderstandings between planning, production, and inspection. It is important to compare the label copy with the actual product before mass production.
Notes on Care Instructions and Certificates
Care instructions are symbols that show how to handle the product at home, including washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and commercial cleaning. It is possible to include both composition information and care instructions on a single label called a care tag, but the two indicate different things.
Test reports, composition certificates, and certification documents obtained from fabric manufacturers or processing plants are useful for verifying the basis of the labeling. However, documents from the roll stage do not always serve as the labeling basis for the final product as is, so check the target lot, target part, and valid scope.
Differences from Similar Terms
The blend ratio is a number that shows in what proportions multiple fibers were used, and it is one of the core items listed in a care tag. A care tag is a broader concept of labeling that includes not only the blend ratio, but also care instructions and labeler information appropriate to the item.
Country of origin labeling indicates the product's country of origin, and its purpose and supporting system differ from those for fiber composition and care instructions. Eco-Tex and GOTS, for example, are certifications showing conformity to certain standards, and are handled separately from care tags based on laws and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I receive when purchasing fabric for care labeling?
At minimum, receive a specification sheet that confirms the composition, blend ratio, target lot, and processing details. If necessary, also check test reports and composition certificates. If lining, padding, or separate fabric will be added in the final product, collect those documents separately and compare them with the product specification sheet.
Are fabric composition labels and product care tags the same?
Not necessarily. Fabric composition information is an important basis for product labeling, but products may also include lining, padding, panel fabrics, and accessory parts. In addition, the care method for the product is determined by considering sewing specifications and auxiliary materials, so confirmation at the final product level is necessary.
Do the care tag and the care instruction tag need to be separate?
They do not always need to be separate tags. If the required labeling items are easy to read and presented in an appropriate way, it is also acceptable to list composition and care instructions together on one label. However, depending on the labeling space and product specifications, check readability and durability.
