FTC Proposed Updates to the Care Labeling Rule on Apparel – Only 2 More Weeks to Submit Your Comments

Only 2 more weeks remain for you to submit your comments related to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTCs) proposed changes to the Care Labeling Rule.

This rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach labels with care instructions for garments and certain piece goods, so consumers have reliable instructions for washing, dry cleaning, bleaching, drying and ironing their clothing.

The Care Labeling Rule, officially called the Rule on Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods, has been in effect since 1971.  It requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments.

The FTC is seeking comments on potential updates to the Rule, including changes that would:

1. Allow manufacturers and importers, if they so choose, to include professional instructions for “wet cleaning” – an environmentally friendly alternative to dry cleaning – on labels if the garment can be professionally wet cleaned;

2. Permit manufacturers to use updated ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) symbols on labels in lieu of written terms providing care instructions;

3. Clarify what constitutes a reasonable basis for care instructions; and

4. Update and expand the definition of "dry clean" to reflect current practices and account for the advent of new solvents.

Comments can be filed electronically by clicking here as are instructions on how to file.  They must be received by November 16, 2012.

All comments received will be posted online here. (FTC File No. R511915)  The staff contact is Robert M. Frisby, Bureau of Consumer Protection (202) 326-2098 and questions about contributing and submitting comments may be directed to him.

Make your voice heard!

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com.

Caring for Your Clothes and the Care Labeling Rule

I just returned from southern Italy where I’ve had the pleasure of being in since the end of July. Not surprisingly, when I was not touring around Naples on my trusted vintage Vespa with my favorite tour guide, enjoying the mineral baths of Ischia, or swimming under the stars in Sorrento, I was out shopping.

In true (International Trade attorney) form, I found myself examining the apparel labels for its country of origin - typically stamped “MADE IN ITALY” and not, “CHINA” like I often see here in the US – and for information on how to care for the garment.

Technically known as the “care label,” it is the tag on your clothes which you will recognize as having care symbols that instruct how a consumer textile product ought to be cared for, e.g., indicating a desired water temperature or, that it should be dry cleaned only.

Oversight of this label here in the US is provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in accordance with its “Rule on Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods as Amended.”

Oddly enough, it just so happens that the agency is seeking comments on the benefits of the Rule to consumers purchasing products covered by it.

The solicitation of comments include:

- What benefits has the Rule provided to, or what significant costs has the Rule imposed on, consumers? Provide any evidence supporting your position.

- What impact has the Rule had on the flow of truthful information to consumers and on the flow of deceptive information to consumers?

- What benefits, if any, has the Rule provided to, or what significant costs, including costs of compliance, has the Rule imposed on businesses, particularly small businesses?

- Provide any evidence concerning whether any of the Rule’s provisions are no longer necessary. Explain why these provisions are unnecessary.

- Should the FTC modify the Rule to address the use of professional wetcleaning? If so, why and how? If not, why not?

The FTC is asking these questions and others as part of a systematic review of its rules and now you have an opportunity to impact its decision making.

Interested in submitting a comment? You may do so online by writing ‘‘Care Labeling Rule, 16 CFR Part 423, Project No. R511915’’ on your comment, and filing your comment online here. Follow the instructions on the web-based form.

Prefer to send it on paper? Mail or deliver your comment to the following address:
Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Room H–113 (Annex A), 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580.

To read the full text of the solicitation of comments click here.

Questions/comments? Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com