Notice of Intent To Request Public Comments

AGENCY:

Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION:

Notice of intent to request public comments.

SUMMARY:

As part of its ongoing, systematic review of all Federal Trade Commission rules and guides, the Commission announces a modified ten-year regulatory review schedule. No Commission determination on the need for, or the substance of, the rules and guides listed below should be inferred from the notice of intent to publish requests for comments.

DATES:

Effective May 23, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Further details about particular rules or guides may be obtained from the contact person listed below for the rule or guide.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

To ensure that its rules and industry guides remain relevant and are not unduly burdensome, the Commission reviews them on a ten-year schedule. Each year the Commission publishes its review schedule, with adjustments made in response to public input, changes in the marketplace, and resource demands.

When the Commission reviews a rule or guide, it publishes a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the continuing need for the rule or guide as well as the rule's or guide's costs and benefits to consumers and businesses. Based on this feedback, the Commission may modify or repeal the rule or guide to address public concerns or changed conditions, or to reduce undue regulatory burden.

The Commission posts information about its review schedule on its Web site to facilitate comment about rules and guides. This Web site provides links in one location to Federal Register notices requesting comments, comment forms, and comments for rules and guides that are currently under review. The Web site also contains a continuously updated review schedule, a list of rules and guides previously eliminated in the regulatory review process, and the Commission's regulatory review plan.

Modified Ten-Year Schedule for Review of FTC Rules and Guides

For 2013, the Commission intends to initiate reviews of, and solicit public comments on, the following rules:

(1) Telemarketing Sales Rule, 16 CFR Part 310. Agency Contact: Karen S. Hobbs, (202) 326-3587, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Marketing Practices, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20580.

(2) Regulations under Section 4 of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 16 CFR Part 500. Agency Contact: Stephen C. Ecklund, (202) 326-2841, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Enforcement, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20580.

(3) Exemptions from Requirements and Prohibitions under Part 500, 16 CFR Part 501. Agency Contact: Stephen C. Ecklund.

(4) Regulations under Section 5(c) of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 16 CFR Part 502. Agency Contact: Stephen C. Ecklund.

(5) Statements of General Policy or Interpretation [under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act], 16 CFR Part 503. Agency Contact: Stephen C. Ecklund.

The Commission is currently reviewing 22 of the 65 rules and guides within its jurisdiction. Due to the large number of rules and guides under review, the Commission is postponing review of the Preservation of Consumers' Claims and Defenses [Holder in Due Course Rule], 16 CFR Part 433, from 2013 as previously scheduled until 2014.

A copy of the Commission's modified regulatory review schedule for 2013 through 2023 is appended. The Commission, in its discretion, may modify or reorder the schedule in the future to incorporate new rules, or to respond to external factors (such as changes in the law) or other considerations.

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.

Appendix