ASTM D6603-11

This guide to labeling provides a uniform system of labeling on UV-protective textiles that informs consumers about the amount of UV-protection provided.

UV-protective textiles labeled according to this standard will permit consumers to compare the amount of protection provided by various textiles and purchase the product that best meets their sun protection needs.

UV-labeling is in addition to other required labeling of garments including Permanent Care Labels and fiber content (composition) labels.

Manufacturers are encouraged to provide information to consumers that aids in selecting products that provide the amount of UV-protection desired.

UV-protective textiles labeled according to this standard guide will be labeled with a UPF value. AATCC Test Method 183 must be used to determine the mean UPF values of unprepared specimens, of specimens prepared using Practice D6544 (prepared-for-testing specimens), and of specimens taken from garments labeled, “Wash once before wearing,” these specimens being taken after the garment is laundered once according to label directions. The latter specimens are referred to as laundered-once specimens in this document. A label UPF will be calculated for the various types of specimens following directions provided in this document. Usually, the value to be placed on the product label will be the label UPF calculated for the prepared-for-testing specimens or the label UPF calculated for the unprepared specimens, whichever is the lower value. In the case of products to be labeled, “Wash once before wearing,” or similar wording, the UPF value to be placed on the product label will be either the UPF calculated for the prepared-for-testing specimens or the laundered-once specimens, whichever value is the lower one.

4.5.1 Discussion—The UPF value to be placed on a garment label needs to be the lowest protection value expected during consumer use over a two-year period. Usually, this UPF value will be that obtained for the prepared-for-testing specimens because they have been laundered 40 times and exposed to UV-radiation to simulate conditions expected to lower the UPF during consumer use. However, for certain fabrics, knits in particular, the fabric manufacturer must tenter (stretch) the fabric to standard width for the garment manufacturer. This process decreases the UPF of the fabric dramatically because the optical porosity, which has a significant influence on UPF, is increased and does not represent the lowest UPF provided to the consumer because after the first laundering shrinkage may restore the lost protection by reducing the optical porosity of the fabric. In these cases, the value to compare to the prepared-for-testing value is logically that of laundered once specimens.

UV-protective labeling is intended to be used on textile products whose design or styling provides purposeful protection to covered skin.

UV protective labeling should be used on any, and all, fabrics or garments, or both, if those products make a UV protective claim as determined by this Guide.

1.1 This standard describes labeling requirements for textile products intended for the protection of humans from UVA and UVB radiation.

1.2 This standard is not intended to be used for the labeling of medical-device sun protective fabrics and clothing whose labeling is specified in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Draft Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification document.

1.3 The label requirements are in addition to those required by the Care Labeling Rule and fiber content (composition) labeling acts (Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939, and The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act).

1.4 This document contains terminology to be used in the labeling of UV-protective textiles.

1.5 Labeling recommended in this guide will be based on UV protection data collected by instrumental methods.