The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted in an open Commission meeting on July 2021 to retain its longstanding Care Labelling Rule for apparel and certain textile piece goods. This decision came after the Commission sought comment in July 2020 on a proposal to repeal.
The U.S. Care Labelling Rule has been in effect since 1971 and requires manufacturers and importers to attach labels to garments and certain textile goods providing clear and accurate care instructions, including dry cleaning or washing, bleaching, drying and ironing. In July 2020, the Commission voted to propose repealing this consumer protection rule and sought comment on the proposal. The FTC received over 200 comments, with an overwhelming majority opposed to the repeal of the rule.
According to the FTC, many individuals and small businesses opposed the repeal during the public comment period, emphasizing that consumers rely on the labels to help extend the lives of their clothes. The Commission also noted that apparel manufacturing and cleaning industries explained that removing the labels would increase the likelihood that their consumers’ items would be damaged in cleaning, thus exposing their business to unnecessary liability.
The FTC will periodically review the Care Labelling Rule to ensure the rule is keeping pace with new developments, providing consumers with relevant information, and will continue to consider ways to improve these requirements to the benefit of U.S. consumers and businesses.
Reference
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