{"id":"F2023L01187","name":"Consumer Goods (Care Labelling) Information Standard 2023","slug":"consumer-goods-care-labelling-information-standard-2023","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":442071,"registerId":"F2023L01187-fast-fetch-1775957184854","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Consumer Goods (Care Labelling) Information Standard 2023","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.jpeg)\n\n \n\nConsumer Goods (Care Labelling) Information Standard 2023\n\nI, Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, make the following information standard.\n\nDated 28 August 2023\n\nStephen Jones\n\nAssistant Treasurer  Minister for Financial Services\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nContents\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n1 Name\n\n2 Commencement\n\n3 Authority\n\n4 Schedules\n\n5 Definitions\n\n6 Regulated goods\n\n7 Exempt goods\n\nPart 2—Basic requirements\n\n8 Requirements during the first transitional period\n\n9 Requirements during the second transitional period\n\n10 Requirements after the second transitional period\n\nPart 3—Details of requirements\n\n11 Australian/New Zealand Standard\n\n12 International Standard\n\nSchedule 1—Repeals\n\nConsumer Product Information Standard Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (Consumer Protection Notice No. 25 of 2010) (Federal Register of Legislation No. F2010L02290)\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n \n\n1  Name\n\n  This instrument is the Consumer Goods (Care Labelling) Information Standard 2023.\n\n2  Commencement\n\n (1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.\n\n \n\n- Commencement information\n- Column 1 Column 2 Column 3\n- Provisions Commencement Date/Details\n- 1. The whole of this instrument The day after this instrument is registered. 5 September 2023\n\n\nNote: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.\n\n (2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.\n\n3  Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under subsection 134(1) of the Australian Consumer Law.\n\nNote: The reference to the Australian Consumer Law is a reference to Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 as it applies as a law of the Commonwealth, States and Territories: see section 140K of that Act and corresponding provisions of Acts of States and Territories applying that Schedule.\n\n4  Schedules\n\n  Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.\n\n5  Definitions\n\n  In this instrument:\n\nAustralian/New Zealand Standard means the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1957:1998 Textiles—Care labelling, published jointly by, or on behalf of, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.\n\nNote: This standard could in 2023 be purchased from SAI Global’s website (https://www.saiglobal.com) or Techstreet’s website (https://www.techstreet.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.\n\nfirst transitional period means the period of 6 months beginning on the day this instrument commences.\n\nInternational Standard means the International Standard ISO 3758:2012 Textiles—Care labelling code using symbols, published by the International Organization for Standardization, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.\n\nNote: This standard could in 2023 be purchased from the International Organization for Standardization’s website (https://www.iso.org) or Techstreet’s website (https://www.techstreet.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.\n\nregulated goods has the meaning given by section 6.\n\nNote: These are the goods for which the requirements referred to in Part 2 apply.\n\nsecond transitional period means the period of 12 months beginning on the day after the first transitional period ends.\n\n6  Regulated goods\n\n (1) Regulated goods are any clothing, household textiles, apparel (including articles such as wedding dresses, christening gowns, and promotional, sample and flawed articles), furnishings, upholstered furniture, bedding (including sleeping bags), mattresses, bed bases, piece goods and yarns made from textiles, plastics, plastic coated fabrics, suede, skins, hides, grain leathers and/or furs.\n\n (2) However, goods are not regulated goods if they are covered by one or more of the subsections in section 7.\n\n7  Exempt goods\n\nSecond hand goods\n\n (1) All second hand goods.\n\nMen’s, Women’s, Children’s and Infants’ Wear\n\n (2) All unsupported coats (including overcoats, jackets and the like) of PVC film, handkerchiefs, braces, garter suspenders, arm bands, belts, headwear.\n\nFootwear\n\n (3) All footwear other than all types of hosiery and textile materials used in the manufacture of footwear.\n\nDrapery\n\n (4) All floor cloths, dish cloths, dusters, cleaning cloths, pressing cloths.\n\nHaberdashery\n\n (5) All ornaments, artificial flowers, sewing and embroidery threads and all other small items of haberdashery used in the making of clothing and textile products where instructions are not needed to ensure that the clothing or textile product is not damaged during cleaning and maintenance.\n\nFurnishings\n\n (6) All oil baize, window blinds, shade blinds, sun blinds, awnings, floor coverings, light fittings, lampshades, tapestries, wall hangings, ornaments, handicraft items, draught excluders, non‑upholstered furniture, cushions and cushion covers manufactured from remnants and labelled by the manufacturer with the following disclaimer “cushion cover manufactured from remnant/s, care treatment unknown”.\n\nJute Products\n\n (7) All jute products.\n\nMedical and Surgical Goods\n\n (8) All goods intended for medical and surgical use as bandages, dressings, sanitary pads or materials forming part of manufactured medical and surgical goods.\n\nCanvas Goods\n\n (9) All beach and garden umbrella coverings.\n\nMiscellaneous Goods\n\n (10) All cords, twines, lashings, garden hose, toys, umbrellas and parasols, shoelaces, woven labels, flex coverings, sporting and gardening gloves, articles designed to be disposed of after one use (except where specifically included) or intended for one use only (including disposable plastic rain ponchos and interment garments for the deceased), mops, basket hangers, shoe holders, remnants, industrial gloves, polypropylene webbing furniture, all bags and cases (including handbags, purses, wallets, travel bags, school bags, sports bags, briefcases and wash bags).\n\nPart 2—Basic requirements\n\n \n\n8  Requirements during the first transitional period\n\n (1) During the first transitional period, regulated goods must comply with:\n\n (a) the requirements in section 11 (the Australian/New Zealand Standard); or\n\n (b) the Consumer Product Information Standard Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (Consumer Protection Notice No. 25 of 2010), as in force immediately before the commencement of this section.\n\nNote: The Consumer Product Information Standard Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (Consumer Protection Notice No. 25 of 2010) could in 2023 be viewed on the Federal Register of Legislation website (https://www.legislation.gov.au).\n\n (2) This section is repealed at the end of the last day of the first transitional period.\n\n9  Requirements during the second transitional period\n\n (1) During the second transitional period, regulated goods must comply with:\n\n (a) the requirements in section 11 (the Australian/New Zealand Standard); or\n\n (b) the Consumer Product Information Standard Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (Consumer Protection Notice No. 25 of 2010), as in force immediately before the commencement of this section; or\n\n (c) the requirements in section 12 (the International Standard).\n\nNote: The Consumer Product Information Standard Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (Consumer Protection Notice No. 25 of 2010) could in 2023 be viewed on the Federal Register of Legislation website (https://www.legislation.gov.au).\n\n (2) This section is repealed at the end of the last day of the second transitional period.\n\n10  Requirements after the second transitional period\n\n  After the second transitional period, regulated goods must comply with:\n\n (a) the requirements in section 11 (the Australian/New Zealand Standard); or\n\n (b) the requirements in section 12 (the International Standard).\n\nPart 3—Details of requirements\n\n \n\n11  Australian/New Zealand Standard\n\n (1) Regulated goods comply with the requirements in this section if the regulated goods comply with the Clauses of the Australian/New Zealand Standard as varied by the following subsections.\n\n (2) Omit Clauses 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4.\n\n (3) Omit Clause 2.1.1(a), substitute:\n\n (a) Appropriate and adequate care instructions take into account all elements of an article including dyes, finishes, fibres, construction, design, zips, buttons, fasteners, padding, lace, beading, trims, decals, linings, interfacings and embroidery which form an integral part of an article and include cleaning instructions and where necessary maintenance instructions that when followed do not cause damage to the article. Maintenance instructions are generally necessary for articles which require a cleaning process other than laundering or drycleaning.\n\n (4) After the first sentence of Clause 2.1.1(d), add:\n\nFor example, a care procedure may be a dry cleaning method not specified in Table 1 which may include using hydrocarbon, liquid silicone, ozone or liquid carbon dioxide.\n\n (5) In Clause 2.1.2(a), omit “on the same side of the label”.\n\n (6) Omit Clause 2.1.3, substitute:\n\n2.1.3 Care instructions for articles unable to be washed or drycleaned: Where an article is unable to be washed or drycleaned, the permanent label shall include appropriate instructions in words:\n\n (a) which warn that the article is unable to be washed or drycleaned; and\n\n (b) which adequately describe the care treatment.\n\n (7) Omit Clause 2.2(a).\n\n (8) Omit Clause 2.2(b).\n\n (9) Omit Clause 2.2(c), substitute:\n\n (c) The wording of the label shall be in English and be clearly legible.\n\n (10) Omit NOTE 1 to Clause 2.2.\n\n (11) Omit NOTE 2 to Clause 2.2.\n\n (12) At the end of NOTE 5 after clause 2.2, add:\n\nThis includes individual pieces of household textile products sold as sets, e.g. napkin and tablecloth sets.\n\n (13) After Clause 2.3, add:\n\n  2.4 Where in this standard there is a requirement for care instructions from categories in Tables 1, 2 or 3 to be provided on or with articles, words that have a similar meaning to the care instructions listed in Tables 1, 2 or 3 may be used, e.g.:\n\n  “DO NOT SOAK IN PRODUCTS CONTAINING ENZYMES” could be reworded as “DO NOT SOAK IN PRODUCTS WITH ENZYMES” or “DO NOT SOAK IN ENZYME PRODUCTS” or other words to similar effect.\n\n  “DO NOT SOAK IN PRODUCTS CONTAINING OXYGEN‑BASED BLEACHES” could be reworded as “DO NOT SOAK IN OXYGEN‑BASED BLEACHES”.\n\n  “GARMENT SIZED TO ALLOW FOR SHRINKAGE WASH BEFORE WEARING” could be reworded as “DESIGNED TO SHRINK, WASH BEFORE WEARING” or other words to similar effect.\n\n  “DO NOT USE SOAP‑WASH IN SYNTHETIC DETERGENT” could be reworded as “WASH IN SYNTHETIC DETERGENT ONLY” or other words to similar effect.\n\n  2.5 Made‑up goods of a kind specified below are exempt from the requirement that a permanent label shall be attached to the goods. However where a permanent label is not provided for such goods, care instructions shall be provided on a removable ticket or label attached to the goods, on a pamphlet accompanying the goods or as printed instructions on the wrapper or packaging.\n\n  Made‑up goods for which care instructions may be provided in a form other than by a permanent label:\n\n  Adult’s, children’s and infants’ wear: Collars, neckwear, bow ties, gloves, mittens, all types of hosiery, incontinence garments, reversible garments, fur garments, bibs, washable nappies, squares of flannelette, terry towelling or muslin, baby pilchers.\n\n  Drapery: Face washers, serviettes, doilies, table cloths, tray cloths, centres, runners, duchess sets, mosquito netting and covers made from mosquito netting, butter muslin and gauze, tea towels, place mats, pot holders, finger tips, appliance covers for teapots, toasters or the like, hot water bottle covers.\n\n  Haberdashery: Elastic, elastic threads, ribbons, zips, iron‑on binding patches or trim, velcro type fasteners, curtain making kits and all other small items of haberdashery used in the making of clothing and textile products where instructions are needed to ensure that the clothing or textile product is not damaged during cleaning and maintenance.\n\n  Furnishings: Cushions that are an integral part of a furniture suite, shower curtains.\n\n (14) In the first sentence of Clause 3.4, omit “each of”.\n\n (15) In the first sentence of Clause 3.5, omit “each of”.\n\n (16) In the second sentence of Clause 3.6, omit “each category”, substitute “the categories”.\n\n (17) Omit the third sentence of Clause 3.6.\n\n (18) At the end of Clause 3.6, add:\n\nThe symbol denoting ‘do not dry clean’, that is the circle with the cross through it, is optional.\n\n12  International Standard\n\n  Regulated goods comply with the requirements in this section if the regulated goods comply with Clause 4 of the International Standard.\n\nNote: For the International Standard, examples of additional wording that can accompany symbols are included in Annex C of that standard.\n\nSchedule 1—Repeals\n\n \n\nConsumer Product Information Standard Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (Consumer Protection Notice No. 25 of 2010) (Federal Register of Legislation No. F2010L02290)\n\n1  The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument\n\n \n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation maintains the same scope as its predecessor (Consumer Protection Notice No. 25 of 2010). It continues to regulate care labelling for clothing and textile products with substantially similar exemptions. The 2023 version updates the technical standards and introduces a transitional framework to move from the old standard to new standards, but does not expand the categories of regulated goods or the fundamental purpose of the regime."},"complexity_factors":["Three-phase transitional scheme with different compliance options in each period (sections 8-10)","Extensive list of 10 exempt categories with 47 specific sub-exemptions (section 7)","Incorporation by reference of two external standards (AS/NZS 1957:1998 and ISO 3758:2012) with 18 specific modifications to the Australian/New Zealand Standard (section 11)","Conditional logic for alternative labelling methods for specific 'made-up goods' (section 11(13))","Nested definitions requiring cross-referencing ('regulated goods' defined by inclusion in section 6 then exclusion in section 7)","Repeal of previous instrument scheduled for immediate effect but transitional provisions create overlapping obligations"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets mandatory care‑label rules for clothing and other textile goods sold in Australia, requiring clear, permanent English instructions so consumers can wash, dry, iron, and dry‑clean items (including all trims and components) without damage. It affects businesses that make, import or sell textiles and consumers who buy them.\n\nIt phases in updated Australian and international labeling standards to align with global practice while giving businesses time to transition."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This instrument repeals the 2010 notice (Schedule 1) and replaces it with an updated information standard that: (a) adopts AS/NZS 1957 with multiple textual variations (s11) as a primary option; (b) permits use of ISO 3758 during/after transition (ss9–10, s12); (c) retains many exemptions but clarifies alternative labelling methods for specific made‑up items (s7, s11(13) 2.5); and (d) adds explicit English‑only and other labelling requirements (s11(9)). These changes alter compliance choices and the operational scope suppliers must manage."},"complexity_factors":["Use of external technical standards (AS/NZS 1957 and ISO 3758) as the substantive requirements — businesses may need to obtain paywalled documents or rely on ACCC viewing (definitions of Australian/New Zealand Standard and International Standard).","Staged transitional regime with three phases (first transitional period, second transitional period, post‑transition) allowing different compliance options at each stage (ss8–10) — planning and stock management complexity.","Broad and detailed exemptions listing many specific product categories (s7) — requires product‑by‑product assessment to determine if regulated.","Targeted amendments to the AS/NZS standard: multiple omissions, substitutions and additions in s11 (eg. clause substitutions, English‑only requirement 11(9), expanded guidance 11(3)–11(13)) — requires legal interpretation of how the standard operates when varied.","Operational flexibility and ambiguity: permanent label requirement with specified exceptions allowing removable tickets, pamphlets or packaging for certain goods (s11(13) 2.5) — affects labelling processes and point‑of‑sale practices.","Label content and format specifics (eg. English wording requirement, detailed examples of acceptable rewording in 11(13) 2.4, optionality of ‘do not dry clean’ symbol in 11(18)) — potential for inconsistent compliance across suppliers.","Enforcement basis under the Australian Consumer Law (s3) — civil liability exposure for non‑compliance and interaction with ACL enforcement priorities."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument replaces the 2010 care‑labelling notice and requires most clothing, household textiles and related goods sold in Australia to carry care instructions that meet specified standards. Suppliers (manufacturers, importers and retailers) must follow the Australian/New Zealand standard or, after transitional periods, may use the international ISO standard; many small or single‑use items and second‑hand goods are exempt (ss6–7, ss8–10). It matters because it fixes mandatory label content, language (English) and acceptable formats, creating direct compliance costs and choices for suppliers."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-care-labelling-information-standard-2023","history":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-care-labelling-information-standard-2023/history","analysis":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-care-labelling-information-standard-2023/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-care-labelling-information-standard-2023/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-care-labelling-information-standard-2023/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-care-labelling-information-standard-2023/documents"}}