Apparel Testing for the US Market

1. Regulated – By US Government Flammability Care Labeling Content Labeling Discretionary – Required by Retailers and Manufacturers Physical Testing Chemical Testing Apparel Testing for the US Market

2. U. S. Flammable Fabrics Act Note – Children’s sleepwear has special flammability regulations not in the scope of this work session.

3. Does not apply to: Hats Gloves Footwear Interlining Fabrics 16 CFR PART 1610Flammability of Clothing Textiles

4. A. Plain Surface Fabrics Average burn time less than 3.5 seconds = CLASS 3 Average burn time more than 3.5 seconds = CLASS 1 B. Raised Surface Fabrics Average burn time less than 4.0 seconds = CLASS 3 2. Average burn time between 4.0 - 7.0 seconds = CLASS 2 3. Average burn time more than 7.0 seconds = CLASS 1 TWO CATEGORIES OF FABRIC

5. Plain Surface Fabrics - Any fabric greater than 2.6 oz/yd2 - Any fabric made entirely from any of the following fibers or combinations thereof: Acrylic, Mod Acrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Wool Raised Surface Fabrics - Any fabric made entirely from any of the following fibers or combinations thereof: Acrylic, Mod Acrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Wool EXEMPTIONS

6. U. S. Flammable Fabrics Act Very Dangerous Fabrics! Raised Surface Fabrics Such As: • Flannelette • Fleece • Corduroy • Velvet • Velveteen • Velour • Terry Cloth • Chenille • Imitation Furs

7. Class 1 - Normal Flammability Class 2 - Intermediate Flammability Class 3 - Rapid and Intense Burning Class 1 and Class 2 can be sold in the USA. STR does not recommend class II be entered into the US Market THREE CLASSIFICATIONS

8. These are not regulated - but are industry standards. Bedding – ASTM D4151 Curtains – NFPA 701-89 Decorative Pillows – Cal. Tech. Bulletin 117, Section E Towels – N/A Soft Home TextilesAdditional Flammability Tests

9. CARE LABELING REGULATION

10. Current rule established in 1984. Referred to as 16 CFR Part 423. Administrated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reasonable Basis: A manufacturer or importer MUST establish a Reasonable Basis for Care information on a label prior to sale. CARE LABELING REGULATION

11. What must be stated on a Care Label? (assume washable) How to launder? (Machine or Hand Wash) At what temperature (Hot, Warm, or Cold) Bleaching Instruction How to dry the item? (Line, Tumble, Flat Dry) At what temperature (Hot, Medium or Low) Does the item need ironing? At what temperature (Hot, Warm, Cool, Steam or Without Steam) CARE LABELING REGULATION

12. In order to satisfy all of these questions, the following tests are recommend: Shrinkage and appearance after laundering Colorfastness to laundering Colorfastness to chlorine bleach Colorfastness to non-chlorine bleach CARE LABELING REGULATION

13. Regulatory Care and Content

14. CARE LABELING REGULATION Care and Content Label Example

15. LET’S LOOK AT THE AMERICAN CARE SYMBOLSCare symbols are not required but if they are used they must be correct.

16. WASHING

17. BLEACHING

18. DRYING

19. IRONING

20. DRY CLEANING

21. Content Labeling Microscopic Method (100%) Chemical Separation Mechanical Separation Microscopic Analysis (Cashmere) FIBER IDENTIFICATION

22. Physical and Chemical Testing

23. Physical Testing

24. Physical Testing

25. Chemical Testing

26. Chemical Testing

27. If you have further questions please contact Ben DeVito at: Ben.DeVito@STRQuality.com Or visit our websitewww.STRQuality.com and sign up for our newsletter the STR Monitor Thank You Q & A Session