FTC Seeks Comments on Textile Labeling Rules as Part of Systematic Review
As part of the Federal Trade Commission's systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the FTC is seeking public comment on its Textile Rules, which require that textiles sold in the U.S. carry labels disclosing the generic names and percentages by weight of the fibers in the product, the manufacturer or marketer name, and the country where the product was processed or manufactured.
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Comments on this advanced notice of proposed rulemaking must be received by January 3, 2012.
Last Reviewed Textile Rules in 1998, Updates May Be Needed
The FTC last formally reviewed the Textile Rules, which implement the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, in 1998. Since 1992, the FTC has reviewed all its rules and guides on a rotating basis to ensure they are up-to-date, effective, and not overly burdensome. The agency relies on input from the public, including consumers, businesses, advocates, industry experts and others, to help it decide whether rules and guides should be updated, left as is, or even rescinded.
Seeks Comments on Generic Name & Elastic/Trimming Provisions, Disclosures
In reviewing the Textile Rules, the FTC seeks comments on the benefits and costs of the rules, as well as whether the Commission should:
- modify the provision regarding generic names of manufactured fibers;
- clarify provisions for products containing elastic material and trimmings;
- address the use of multiple languages in required disclosures;
- clarify disclosure requirements for print and online advertising;
- clarify or reconsider the Rules' list of products excluded from the Textile Act;
- add or clarify terms in the Rules; and
- modify consumer and business education materials.
Wants Input on Whether to Modify Guarantees, Cost-Benefit of FTC Identification
The FTC also seeks comment on the benefits and costs of the Textile Act's requirement that businesses use identification issued by the FTC under certain circumstances, and the extent to which retailers obtain guarantees for textile products and whether the extent or manner of textile importation indicates that the guarantee provisions of the Textile Rules and Act should be modified.