World Care-Label System 2 ---

The International Association for Textile Care Labeling (GINETEX) replaced in 1975 the International Symposium for Textile Care Labeling, which was set up in 1963 in Paris. Some of the objectives of GINETEX are the followings:

1. To inform consumers on the correct care labeling of textiles through a system of uniform and simple care labeling symbols, independent of language.

2. To achieve and promote voluntary care labeling on an international basis through the uniform symbols of GINETEX, thus avoiding the use of different systems.

Member countries of GINETEX are Belgium, France, Germany, England, Netherlands, Israel, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain. The GINETEX care labeling system is also known as the international care labeling system. It rests on the following principles:

1. The symbols denote the maximum permissible treatment.

2. The entire series of GINETEX symbols must be used in the prescribed order.

3. Care labeling must be easy to understand and apply, independent of language.

4. The care labeling symbols must not allow any error in interpretation by the consumer.

5. Uniform use and application are in the interest of the interest.

6. A uniform care labeling system has to take account of consumer habits, rather than be based on complex technical considerations.

7. Washing machine should be able to provide the optimum recommended care treatment.

8. Adaptions that might become necessary as a result of technical and economic evolution should be provided for as far as possible by avoiding new symbols or additions within the framework of the actual system.

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The GINETEX symbols indicate that a textile article withstands certain care treatments. If the care symbol is crossed out (St. Andrews cross), this means that such a treatment is not possible. 

The GINETEX care labeling system is based on the following five symbols.       

  Washing

1. The number below the level of water in the washtub indicates the maximum permitted temperature of the water in degrees centigrade. The washtub and temperature also indicate that machine washing is possible.

2. A hand in the washtub indicates that the garment can only be washed by hand.

3. There are some additional indications, but they are not in use in all countries.

4. An underline beneath the washtub indicates that a milder treatment is in order.

5. The numbers above the water level indicate different washing programs. These numbers are not always identical with those actually used on washing machines.

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Bleaching

A triangle with "CL" inside indicates that chlorine bleaching is possible.

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Ironing

The dots in the iron symbol (1, 2, 3) indicate the maximum temperature at which the textile article can be ironed.

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Drycleaning

The letters in the circle (A, P or F) indicate to the drycleaner which solvents can be used in the drycleaning procedure. In addition, they give information to consumers about the possibility of using coin-operated drycleaning. An underline beneath the solvents indicates that coin-operated drycleaning should not be used.

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Drying

A circle in the square indicates that the article can be tumble dried.

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The other World Major Care-Labelling System:

• American Care Labelling System

• British Care Labelling System

• Canadian Care Labelling System

• Japanese Care Labelling System

• Australian Care Labelling System

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