Japan · Textiles

Care Labelling in Japan

A practical guide to Care Labelling for textiles sold in Japan: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Care instructions must be provided in the local language and match the product performance; Online sellers shipping textiles to consumers in Japan

Authority

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Legal basis

Household Goods Quality Labelling Act

Local representative

The importer or brand owner in market is responsible

Timeline

Before sale

Cost

Testing dominates; labelling is low cost

If you do not comply

Fines and product withdrawal

Who needs this

Care instructions must be provided in the local language and match the product performance
Online sellers shipping textiles to consumers in Japan

Documents you need

Care label artwork
Fibre composition test reports
Care and origin labelling artwork
Restricted substance test reports

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Care label artwork
Fibre composition test reports
Care and origin labelling artwork
Restricted substance test reports

How to comply

Apply care symbols and text
Verify fibre composition
Test for restricted substances where required
Prepare local-language care and content labels

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Care Labelling — Japan
Product category: Textiles
Authority: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Legal basis: Household Goods Quality Labelling Act

Documents we already have:
  1. Care label artwork
  2. Fibre composition test reports
  3. Care and origin labelling artwork
  4. Restricted substance test reports

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Care Labelling in Japan?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale.

Testing dominates; labelling is low cost.

Common rejection reasons

Care label missing or wrong language
Fibre percentages inaccurate
Care label missing
Origin labelling incorrect

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.