Clothing and household textiles sold in Australia need care instructions under the Consumer Goods (Care Labelling) Information Standard 2023, and imported clothing and textiles need a trade description that states the country where they were made.
The mandatory care labelling standard
Care labelling is mandatory under the Consumer Goods (Care Labelling) Information Standard 2023, enforced by the ACCC. It covers clothing, household textiles, furnishings, bedding and piece goods, among other products. The standard draws on AS/NZS 1957 and on ISO 3758 care symbols.
- Care instructions can be written in English, shown with the international care symbols, or both.
- For most clothing the instructions must be permanently attached, which in practice means a sewn-in label.
- Some items, such as jute products and many bags, are exempt.
Country of origin on imported textiles
Imported clothing and textiles must carry a true trade description in English that includes the country where they were made, under the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905. The usual form is "Made in Pakistan" or "Made in Bangladesh". It must be prominent and legible when the goods are imported.
What about fibre content?
The ACCC care labelling standard does not require fibre content, such as "100% cotton". Most retailers and brands still include it, and any fibre claim you make must be accurate under Australian Consumer Law.
Hi-vis and other product standards
Some textiles have their own standards. High-visibility safety garments for Australian workplaces are usually specified to AS/NZS 4602.1, and garment performance is confirmed through testing. We arrange testing through accredited laboratories when a standard applies.
A simple label checklist
- Care instructions in English or ISO 3758 symbols, permanently attached.
- Country of origin, for example "Made in India".
- Fibre content (recommended).
- Size, and your brand or supplier details.
- Any product-specific markings, such as hi-vis class.
We check labels against your approved artwork at inspection, before the goods ship.
Sources
General information only, current at 25 September 2026. It is not legal, tax or customs advice. Tariff rates depend on the exact classification and rules of origin, so confirm your obligations with a licensed customs broker or the Australian Border Force before you import.