GINETEX

In the 1960s, GINETEX (Groupement International d’ Etiquetage pour l’Entretien des Textiles) introduced the system of care symbols harmonised on a global basis. This system is constantly adapted to technical and ecological progress. To guarantee compliance and correct use of the care labelling system, symbols and the understandability of the system, these symbols are protected by trademark law (marks registered with OMPI No 492 423 and 849 319).

GINETEX, the international care-labelling organisation as the owner of the care symbol trademarks was founded in 1963. It has its registered office in Paris and is a non-profit body.
16 countries are members of GINETEX at present. The relevant country organisations ensure correct application of the care symbols at national level on behalf of GINETEX and represent the interests of GINETEX.

The care-labelling provisions for the identification of textile products are standardised internationally by technical agreements reached within GINETEX international. In 1990, GINETEX allowed the international standards organisation, ISO and the European Standards Committee, CEN to incorporate the care-labelling system protected by trademark in a standard. The relevant standard ISO/EN 3758:2005 is currently being revised. The new addition of the standard is due to be published in 2010.