The Consumer Information Standards (Care Labelling) Regulations 2000 require most new textile goods to comply with the standard AS/NZS 1957:1998: Textiles - Care labelling. The standard sets out the words, phrases and symbols that must be used in labelling to indicate the correct way to care for textile goods, including dry-cleaning and washing.
The standard covers:
- clothing, household textiles, furnishings, upholstered furniture, bedding, mattresses and bed bases;
- piece goods and yarns made from textiles;
- plastics and plastic-coated fabrics; and
- suede skins, hides, grain leathers and furs.
The standard requires all care labelling be legible and in English. Second-hand goods are not covered.