# South Korea Apparel Label Content and Children's Rules

> Source: https://surajmal.com/blog/2026/09/south-korea-apparel-labelling-kc-marking

[SSL Newsroom](/blog) Compliance

# South Korea Apparel Labelling: Required Label Content and Children's Product Rules

Kolkata · 05 SEPTEMBER 2026 ·By Surajmal Editorial Team·8 min read

Published 5 September 2026

Ordinary adult apparel and childrenswear follow separate Korean compliance tracks. Adult household textile products for people aged 14 and over, other than custom-made clothing, fall within the Safety Standards Compliance route. Children's products are governed by the Special Act on the Safety Control of Children's Products. Set the product's intended age group before finalising its label or safety file.

## What information must an adult apparel label carry in Korea?

For ordinary adult apparel in the Safety Standards Compliance route, the label must state the following required information. Required information is in Korean, except that care instructions may be in Korean or shown with the symbols specified by KS K 0021: [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

Label item

Required content

Fibre composition

The composition or blend of the outer fabric, lining and filling, where applicable

Business identity

The manufacturer or importer, country of manufacture, and the responsible labeller's address and telephone number

Traceability

One identifier: manufacturing month, first sales season, lot number, product style number, barcode or QR code, selected so that the product's production timing can be objectively traced

Care

At least four applicable care instructions, including washing or dry-cleaning information, in Korean or KS K 0021 symbols, subject to the specified product exemptions

Size is recommended rather than mandatory. Care instructions must include at least four types of instruction applicable to the product, including washing or dry-cleaning information, and may be shown in Korean or with KS K 0021 symbols. The specified exemptions allow care instructions to be omitted for products including shrouds, handkerchiefs, towels, mosquito nets, covers and bags. Subject to the specified exceptions for marking on packaging, a hangtag or a sticker, the marking must be sewn on or applied by an equally effective method so that it does not detach or be erased through washing or dry cleaning. Manufacturer and model names may appear in English where Korean is impracticable. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

Lock this information into the approved label artwork. Where the individual-product marking rule applies, retain it on the finished garment; where the specified exception applies, provide the marking on the packaging, hangtag or sticker until sale or delivery to the consumer. The fibre statement should distinguish each applicable material layer so that the outer fabric, lining and filling are not merged into an ambiguous single description.

## Which traceability identifier suits a repeat Korea programme?

Choose one traceability identifier for the label: manufacturing month, first sales season, lot number, product style number, barcode or QR code. The selected identifier must objectively permit the product's production timing to be traced. This is a choice, not a list of fields to place on every label, so the selected identifier should be one the programme can maintain after bulk leaves the factory. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

For a repeat seasonal style, a product style number can provide a stable link across successive runs when the same style is carried forward, provided the associated records objectively trace the production timing. Manufacturing month identifies the particular production period, so it changes with every repeat. A buyer using a continuing style number should decide whether the label needs to point to the persistent style, a distinct production run, or a scannable record that separates both. That decision affects the label artwork, the product master and the way repeat orders are booked.

Lot number separates a batch from another. Barcode or QR code can carry the reference without a long printed field, provided the code remains usable after handling and laundering. First sales season follows the selling calendar. Select the listed identifier that objectively permits the product's production timing to be traced.

## How should fibre layers and label construction be specified?

State the fibre composition or blend percentage for the outer fabric and lining, where present, and for filling where it is used. A lined, filled garment must therefore carry three material statements. For example, the outer fabric, the lining and the filling may each be different materials; collapsing them into one blend statement loses the distinction the marking requires. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=") [\[2\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=200209&flNm=%5B%EB%B6%80%EC%86%8D%EC%84%9C+1%5D+%EA%B0%80%EC%A0%95%EC%9A%A9+%EC%84%AC%EC%9C%A0%EC%A0%9C%ED%92%88&flSeq=154711781 "Source 2: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=200209&flNm=%5B%EB%B6%80%EC%86%8D%EC%84%9C+1%5D+%EA%B0%80%EC%A0%95%EC%9A%A9+%EC%84%AC%EC%9C%A0%EC%A0%9C%ED%92%88&flSeq=154711781")

Build those layers into the label brief from the bill of materials. The outer fabric statement follows the shell material; lining and filling statements follow their respective materials. Check each applicable layer against the approved materials before printing.

For individual products, the marking must be sewn on or applied by an equally effective method so that it does not detach or be erased through washing or dry cleaning. This rule does not apply where sewn-on marking would inconvenience use or seriously impair the appearance of the specified products: foundation garments, running shirts, underwear, socks, gloves, swimwear, gymnastics wear, scarves, mufflers, handkerchiefs, wigs, hats, nappies, footwear, shrouds, towels, neckties, mosquito nets, covers, bibs, bags, wallets, belts and reversible products. For those products, the marking may appear on the individual product's packaging, hangtag or sticker until sale or delivery to the consumer. Label construction is therefore a sampling decision, not a late packing-stage choice. A printed care label needs printing and substrate that remain legible through the required care processes. A woven label needs the required information to remain readable in the weave. In both cases, the attachment and placement need to keep the marking on the garment and readable in normal use where the individual-product marking rule applies. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

Approve the construction on the sample garment in its intended position where the individual-product marking rule applies. A label hidden by a lining, caught in a seam, or placed where the information cannot be read creates a problem even when the artwork is correct. For products using the packaging, hangtag or sticker exception, confirm that the required information remains available until sale or delivery to the consumer. Sampling settles whether the printed or woven label carries the required content and survives the care process where it is used on the product.

Size is recommended, not mandatory. Buyers usually include it because the size designation gives the garment a practical selling and stock-control reference alongside the required traceability field. Keep it distinct from the traceability identifier: a size does not identify a particular product style, lot or manufacturing month. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

Manufacturer and model names may be shown in English where Korean is impracticable. Other required information is in Korean, while care instructions may instead use KS K 0021 symbols. The responsible labeller's address and telephone number are separate required contact details; include both in the approved copy. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

## Does ordinary adult apparel need a KC mark?

No. Ordinary adult apparel in the Safety Standards Compliance route does not require a KC mark, confirmation number or registration number. Instead of a KC mark, the item-specific safety-standard information is displayed. [\[3\]](https://kats.go.kr/content.do?cmsid=553 "Source 3: kats.go.kr: /content.do?cmsid=553")

This route covers household textile products for people aged 14 and over, excluding custom-made clothing. The adult label review should therefore focus on the required product information and the correct product scope. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

## How is children's apparel regulated differently?

A children's product is one used by, or for, a child aged 13 or younger. Children's apparel is subject to the Special Act on the Safety Control of Children's Products rather than the adult-apparel route. [\[4\]](https://law.go.kr/LSW/lsLinkCommonInfo.do?chrClsCd=010202&lsJoLnkSeq=1008069539 "Source 4: law.go.kr: /LSW/lsLinkCommonInfo.do?chrClsCd=010202&lsJoLnkSeq=1008069539")

The Act has three compliance tiers: safety certification, safety confirmation and supplier conformity confirmation. For ordinary textile apparel, the applicable tier is determined by age: [\[5\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156743505 "Source 5: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156743505")

Intended wearer

Compliance tier for ordinary textile apparel

Under 36 months

Safety confirmation

36 months through 13 years

Supplier conformity confirmation

Ordinary textile apparel is not in the safety-certification tier. Record the intended age range with the style specification so the appropriate children's-product track is clear before production. [\[5\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156743505 "Source 5: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156743505")

Safety confirmation for apparel intended for children under 36 months involves product testing. Put that testing into the pre-bulk critical path, because its output is part of the route for the infant age tier. The age statement on a product that is designed or sold for this group therefore affects the time allowed between a sealed sample and bulk release.

Supplier conformity confirmation applies to ordinary textile apparel for children from 36 months through 13 years. The supplier needs to hold the conformity evidence for that tier. Keep the age range, the style specification and the supporting evidence together, so the product record shows why that tier was assigned. Do not treat the two tiers as interchangeable simply because both cover children's apparel.

If a range crosses the 36-month point, allocate the relevant tier to each intended age group before committing to a shared label or release plan.

## When does KS K 0941 apply to children's clothing?

KS K 0941 is conditionally mandatory. When a garment uses cords or drawstrings covered by the standard, it must conform to the standard. This condition applies under both the infant textile standard for products under 36 months and the child-textile standard for products for ages 36 months through 13 years. [\[6\]](https://www.standard.go.kr/KSCI/standardIntro/getStandardSearchView.do?ksNo=KSK0941&reformNo=06&tmprKsNo=KSK0941 "Source 6: standard.go.kr: /KSCI/standardIntro/getStandardSearchView.do?ksNo=KSK0941&reformNo=06&tmprKsNo=KSK0941")

The KS register scopes the standard to clothing for people under 14, including fancy dress and skiwear. It excludes footwear, gloves, hats, scarves, most belts, braces and bags. [\[6\]](https://www.standard.go.kr/KSCI/standardIntro/getStandardSearchView.do?ksNo=KSK0941&reformNo=06&tmprKsNo=KSK0941 "Source 6: standard.go.kr: /KSCI/standardIntro/getStandardSearchView.do?ksNo=KSK0941&reformNo=06&tmprKsNo=KSK0941")

Garment feature

Action

Cords or drawstrings within KS K 0941's scope

Confirm conformity with KS K 0941

No covered cords or drawstrings

Record the feature review with the style specification

The design review should ask whether the covered cord or drawstring is needed for the garment's function and appearance. Removing that feature can remove the condition that brings KS K 0941 into the programme. Make that choice while the style is being developed, because removing a drawstring later can affect the pattern, trims, sample and approved label record.

## Why should 3 June 2026 be watched on a long-lead programme?

The Framework Act on the Safety of Products is an existing statute. An amendment takes effect on 3 June 2026. Treat that date as a checkpoint for a Korea-bound programme whose sampling, testing, bulk production and sale timing spans the effective date. [\[7\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSc.do?eventGubun=060101&menuId=1&query=%EC%A0%9C%ED%92%88%EC%95%88%EC%A0%84%EA%B8%B0%EB%B3%B8%EB%B2%95&section=&subMenuId=15&tabMenuId=81 "Source 7: law.go.kr: /LSW/lsSc.do?eventGubun=060101&menuId=1&query=%EC%A0%9C%ED%92%88%EC%95%88%EC%A0%84%EA%B8%B0%EB%B3%B8%EB%B2%95&section=&subMenuId=15&tabMenuId=81")

Add the date to the compliance calendar when the programme is planned. Keep the age classification, label artwork and supporting records aligned to the version that applies to the order.

## How should a Korea-bound apparel file be prepared before bulk?

Start with the intended wearer and product scope. For adult apparel, approve a label with the required fibre, business, origin and traceability information in Korean, together with the required care information in Korean or KS K 0021 symbols, and apply the individual-product or packaging, hangtag or sticker marking rule as appropriate. Include at least four applicable care instructions, including washing or dry-cleaning information, unless a specified product exemption applies. For childrenswear, assign the product to the correct age-based tier and review whether any cords or drawstrings bring KS K 0941 into scope.

Approval stage

Adult apparel

Children's apparel

Scope

Confirm the product is for age 14+ and is not custom-made

Confirm the intended age band is 13 or younger

Label

Check Korean-language product information, care instructions in Korean or KS K 0021 symbols, and the applicable marking method

Keep the children's-product classification with the style record

Safety track

Apply the Safety Standards Compliance route

Use safety confirmation for under 36 months, or supplier conformity confirmation for ages 36 months through 13

Design review

Confirm the traceability identifier selected for the label

Check covered cords or drawstrings against KS K 0941

The [tech pack](/blog/2026/05/garment-tech-pack-guide) should identify the intended age group, label version and any cords-or-drawstrings review. That makes the information available to design, production and final inspection teams.

## Short FAQ

**Can ordinary adult apparel be sold in Korea without a KC mark?**

Yes. Ordinary adult apparel in the Safety Standards Compliance route does not require a KC mark, confirmation number or registration number. Its item-specific safety-standard information is displayed instead. [\[3\]](https://kats.go.kr/content.do?cmsid=553 "Source 3: kats.go.kr: /content.do?cmsid=553")

**Is size mandatory on an adult apparel label?**

No. Size is recommended, not mandatory. [\[1\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun= "Source 1: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156725759&gubun=")

**May adult-apparel care instructions use symbols?**

Yes. Care instructions may be in Korean or shown with KS K 0021 symbols. At least four applicable instructions, including washing or dry-cleaning information, are required unless a specified product exemption applies.

**Which children's-apparel tier applies to a garment for a four-year-old?**

Ordinary textile apparel for ages 36 months through 13 years uses supplier conformity confirmation. [\[5\]](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156743505 "Source 5: law.go.kr: /LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201&flSeq=156743505")

**Do all children's garments need to meet KS K 0941?**

KS K 0941 applies when the garment uses cords or drawstrings covered by the standard. It is not a requirement triggered by age alone. [\[6\]](https://www.standard.go.kr/KSCI/standardIntro/getStandardSearchView.do?ksNo=KSK0941&reformNo=06&tmprKsNo=KSK0941 "Source 6: standard.go.kr: /KSCI/standardIntro/getStandardSearchView.do?ksNo=KSK0941&reformNo=06&tmprKsNo=KSK0941")

## The Korea labelling judgement

For ordinary adult apparel, the central task is marking with the required product information in Korean and care instructions in Korean or KS K 0021 symbols, using the applicable individual-product or packaging, hangtag or sticker method. Care instructions ordinarily include at least four applicable instructions, including washing or dry-cleaning information, subject to the specified product exemptions. A KC mark, confirmation number and registration number are not required for this route. For childrenswear, use the separate age-based track and assess covered cords and drawstrings against KS K 0941. Build those decisions into the style record before bulk production so the label, age classification and design review remain aligned.

## Where kidswear compliance fits a Korea-bound order

Children's apparel needs an early age-range decision because the ordinary textile-apparel tier changes at 36 months. A cords-and-drawstrings review belongs with the design specification where that feature is used. Our [kidswear](/products/kidswear) page covers how a children's range is built to destination-specific safety and labelling rules. The [Japan](/markets/japan) import guide covers its own labelling regime for orders serving that market.

For how the Korean marking and the separate children's safety track are settled before bulk, see our [East Asia](/markets/east-asia) page.

Related pages

-   [East Asia import guide→](/markets/east-asia)
-   [Kidswear→](/products/kidswear)

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Surajmal Editorial Team

The Surajmal Editorial Team writes from inside a working textile export house in Kolkata, drawing on experience manufacturing garments, fabrics, and yarns for global retail buyers since 1968. Every article is reviewed by practitioners who source, sample, and ship the products they write about.

On this page

-   [What information must an adult apparel label carry in Korea?](#what-information-must-an-adult-apparel-label-carry-in-korea)
-   [Which traceability identifier suits a repeat Korea programme?](#which-traceability-identifier-suits-a-repeat-korea-programme)
-   [How should fibre layers and label construction be specified?](#how-should-fibre-layers-and-label-construction-be-specified)
-   [Does ordinary adult apparel need a KC mark?](#does-ordinary-adult-apparel-need-a-kc-mark)
-   [How is children's apparel regulated differently?](#how-is-children-s-apparel-regulated-differently)
-   [When does KS K 0941 apply to children's clothing?](#when-does-ks-k-0941-apply-to-children-s-clothing)
-   [Why should 3 June 2026 be watched on a long-lead programme?](#why-should-3-june-2026-be-watched-on-a-long-lead-programme)
-   [How should a Korea-bound apparel file be prepared before bulk?](#how-should-a-korea-bound-apparel-file-be-prepared-before-bulk)
-   [Short FAQ](#short-faq)
-   [The Korea labelling judgement](#the-korea-labelling-judgement)
-   [Where kidswear compliance fits a Korea-bound order](#where-kidswear-compliance-fits-a-korea-bound-order)

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