Cashmere Garment Marking & Labels: 5 Must-Specify Items for B2B Buyers (EAS + Care)
From EAS tags to care symbols, learn the 5 critical labeling specifications every cashmere importer must define with their factory. Avoid compliance issues and returns.
Cashmere Garment Marking & Labels: 5 Must-Specify Items for B2B Buyers (EAS + Care)
Cashmere Garment Marking & Labels: 5 Things B2B Buyers Should Specify (EAS + Care)
When you order cashmere garments from a factory in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, the last thing you want is a labeling error that triggers customs rejection, retail chargebacks, or consumer confusion. Yet labeling is often the most overlooked part of a B2B apparel order. This guide covers the five critical marking and labeling specifications you must define with your cashmere supplier—before production begins.
Why Labeling Matters for Cashmere Imports
Cashmere is a high-value fiber, and its labeling carries legal and commercial weight. In the EU, the Textile Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 mandates fiber composition labeling. In the US, the FTC requires accurate fiber content and care instructions. Japan and South Korea have their own strict labeling laws. A single mislabel can result in fines, shipment holds, or brand reputation damage.
Beyond compliance, labels are a marketing tool. A well-designed label with clear care instructions reduces returns and increases customer trust. For cashmere—a delicate fiber—care labels are especially critical. Incorrect washing can ruin a $200 sweater, and the buyer will blame the brand, not the factory.
The 5 Labeling Specifications You Must Specify
1. EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) Tags
EAS tags are anti-theft devices embedded in or attached to garments. As a B2B buyer, you must decide:
- Type: Hard tags (removed at checkout) vs. soft tags (deactivated) vs. RFID-enabled EAS.
- Placement: Seam placement (e.g., side seam, neck label) or removable adhesive tags.
- Removal method: Does the tag require a special detacher? Will it leave a hole or residue?
Why specify? If you don’t specify EAS, your factory may default to no tags, forcing you to add them at your own warehouse—an extra cost and logistics step. Conversely, if you specify EAS but the placement damages the cashmere knit, you’ll face returns.
Our recommendation: For cashmere, use soft EAS labels that can be sewn into the side seam or placed under the main label. Avoid hard tags that can snag the delicate knit. Confirm the tag’s frequency (RF vs. AM) matches your retail security system.
2. Care Label Content and Symbols
Cashmere care is non-negotiable. Your care label must include:
- Fiber composition: e.g., “100% cashmere” (or blends with exact percentages).
- Washing instructions: Use symbols per ISO 3758:2012 (e.g., hand wash, do not bleach, dry flat).
- Ironing and dry-cleaning symbols.
- Country of origin: “Made in China” (or specific region if required).
Common mistake: Some factories use generic care symbols that don’t match the garment’s actual care needs. For cashmere, the correct symbols are typically: hand wash (or gentle machine cycle), do not bleach, dry flat, cool iron, and professional dry-clean. Specify this explicitly.
Legal note: In the EU, care labels are not mandatory, but if you provide them, they must be accurate. In the US, the FTC requires care labels on all textile garments. Always verify the requirements for your target market.
3. Main Label (Brand Label) Specifications
Your main label is your brand identity. Specify:
- Material: Woven satin, printed, or eco-friendly options (e.g., recycled polyester).
- Size and placement: Neckline, side seam, or waistband.
- Content: Brand name, logo, size (e.g., S/M/L or numeric), and possibly “cashmere” designation.
- Attachment: Sewn-in vs. heat-transfer (not recommended for cashmere due to heat damage).
B2B tip: If you source from a factory like DONGXIAO, we can produce custom main labels with your logo, but you must provide the artwork and specify the label material. Lead time for custom labels is typically 10–15 days.
4. Compliance and Certification Labels
Depending on your market, you may need additional labels:
- CE marking (for EU) – not required for garments, but for some accessories with electronic components.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label – indicates the product has been tested for harmful substances.
- GOTS label – if your cashmere is certified organic (note: cashmere is a fiber, not a crop, so GOTS applies to processing standards).
- ISO 9001 – quality management certification, not a label but a factory credential.
- Recycling symbols – for packaging or hang tags if you claim recyclability.
Our factory is ISO 9001 certified and can provide OEKO-TEX® certified products upon request. Specify which certifications you need on the label, and we’ll ensure the label includes the certification logo and number.
5. Hang Tags and Packaging Labels
Hang tags are your first sales pitch. They should include:
- Brand name and logo.
- Product name (e.g., “Men’s Cashmere Crewneck Sweater”).
- Size and color.
- Price (if applicable).
- Barcode (EAN/UPC) for retail.
- Care summary (optional).
Specify: Material (cardstock, recycled paper), finish (matte/gloss), size, and attachment (string, plastic loop). Also specify packaging labels: polybag stickers, carton labels with shipping marks, and any RFID tags for inventory.
Additional Considerations for B2B Buyers
Label Placement and Sewing Quality
Poorly sewn labels can irritate skin or cause returns. Specify stitching type (e.g., single-needle, flatlock) and thread material (polyester for durability). For cashmere, avoid coarse threads that can damage the knit.
Language Requirements
If you’re selling in multiple countries, labels may need multilingual content. EU regulations require label information in the official language(s) of the member state where the product is sold. Plan ahead and provide translations.
Label Testing and Approval
Always request pre-production samples of labels on the actual garment. Check colorfastness of printed labels, legibility after washing, and that EAS tags don’t interfere with care symbols.
How DONGXIAO Ensures Label Accuracy
As a 23-year-old cashmere source factory in Ordos, we’ve produced millions of garments for global brands. Our label process includes:
- Pre-production review: We review your label specs against target market regulations.
- Sample approval: We send physical label samples for your sign-off before bulk production.
- In-line QC: Our QA team checks label placement and accuracy during production.
- Final inspection: AQL 2.5 inspection includes label verification.
We also offer sourcing of labels and hang tags from our trusted local suppliers, saving you logistics hassle.
Sample Label Specification Table
| Label Type | Key Specifications | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main Label | Material, size, content, attachment | Woven satin, 50mm x 20mm, sewn in neck |
| Care Label | Fiber content, care symbols, country of origin | 100% cashmere, hand wash, do not bleach, made in China |
| EAS Tag | Type, placement, frequency | Soft AM tag, side seam, 8.2 MHz |
| Hang Tag | Material, size, barcode, artwork | 300gsm cardstock, 60x90mm, EAN-13 |
| Certification Label | Logo, cert number, if required | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, TESTEX 1234 |
Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic care symbols – Always match symbols to actual garment care.
- Incorrect fiber percentages – If your cashmere is 95% cashmere, 5% nylon, state it exactly.
- Missing country of origin – Many markets require it; check your target country.
- EAS tags that damage fabric – Test on a sample first.
- Labels not approved before bulk – Always get written approval from your quality team.
Final Checklist for Your Next Order
Before you send your PO, confirm:
- EAS type and placement defined.
- Care label content and symbols match your market’s legal requirements.
- Main label artwork and material approved.
- Any certification labels (e.g., OEKO-TEX) included.
- Hang tags and packaging labels specified.
- Language translations provided if needed.
- Pre-production label samples requested.
Partner with a Factory That Gets It
At DONGXIAO Cashmere, we’ve been producing premium cashmere garments in Ordos, Inner Mongolia for over two decades. Our in-house QC team and label sourcing partners ensure your marking and labeling are accurate, compliant, and brand-worthy. We work with importers in the EU, US, Japan, and Korea, and we understand the nuances of each market.
Ready to start your next cashmere collection? Contact our B2B team today to discuss your labeling specifications and get a free consultation. We’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and deliver garments that sell.
Contact us now for a quote or sample request.
