Compliance by market
Apparel labelling for Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Canada requires fibre content in English and French, plus the dealer's identity, shown either as a name and postal address or as a CA identification number. Australia makes care labelling mandatory for clothing. For children's garments in all three markets, leave the drawstrings off the hood and neck.
Key takeaways
- Canada: fibre content in English and French; dealer identified by name and address or a CA identification number.
- Australia makes care labelling mandatory for clothing under the Australian Consumer Law information standard.
- For children's wear, avoid hood and neck drawstrings. Health Canada guidance and general safety duties apply.
Reference information, not legal advice. Regulations change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked below or a compliance professional before shipping.
Canada
Under the Textile Labelling Act and its regulations, a consumer textile article must show its fibre content, using generic fibre names and percentages, in both English and French. It must also identify the dealer, either with the name and postal address or with a CA identification number obtained from the Competition Bureau.
Québec adds French-language requirements for products sold there.
For children’s outerwear, Health Canada’s industry guidance advises against hood and neck drawstrings on children’s sizes. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act also has a general prohibition on products that are a danger to health or safety, and that applies too.
Australia and New Zealand
In Australia, care labelling for clothing is mandatory under an information standard made under the Australian Consumer Law. Labels must give care instructions that, if followed, do not damage the garment. New Zealand has its own mandatory care-labelling requirement.
Separate mandatory standards apply to children’s nightwear. They do not cover school uniforms or everyday daywear.
Trade agreements
China has free trade agreements with Australia (ChAFTA) and New Zealand, and both are members of RCEP. Goods that qualify may enter at reduced or zero duty with the correct certificate of origin. See our guide to export documents and certificates of origin.
Final thoughts
Canada’s bilingual labels and Australia’s care-labelling rules are easy to meet if they are specified before the labels are woven or printed. Tell us the destination market when you ask for a quotation.