Posted on March 24, 2014

 

After weighing public comments, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made several final changes to its Textile Labeling Rules to address fiber content and country-of-origin disclosures.

 

The rules implement the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, which requires that certain textiles sold in the United States 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.

 

Last May, the FTC proposed changes to the rules and sought public comment. Based on comments received, the agency proposed amendments to the rules and sought public comments. After considering the comments, the commission approved the changes, including amendments that would:

 

• incorporate the updated International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard establishing generic fiber names for manufactured fibers;

• allow certain hang-tags disclosing fiber names and trademarks, and performance information, without the need to disclose the product’s full fiber content;

• clarify that an imported product’s country of origin is the country where it was processed or manufactured, as determined under laws and regulations enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection;

• better address electronic commerce with revised definitions of “invoice” and “invoice or other paper;”

• replace the requirement that guarantors sign continuing guarantees under penalty of perjury with a requirement that they acknowledge that providing a false guaranty is unlawful, and certify that they will actively monitor and ensure compliance with the applicable law; and

• clarify the provision identifying textile fiber product categories and products that are exempt from the Act’s requirements.

 

Based on the comments received, the commission did not adopt a proposal to make continuing guaranties effective for one year unless revoked earlier. Thus, continuing guaranties filed with the commission will remain effective until revoked.

 

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) welcomed the final rulemaking on these key updates. The AAFA supported the two proposals adopted and opposed the one that was rejected.

 

"The labels on your clothes and shoes are one of the most important ways brands and retailers communicate with their consumers," said AAFA Executive Vice President Steve Lamar. "These changes, for which AAFA has advocated, will help the U.S. apparel and footwear industry to remain competitive in the global marketplace and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens."