Request for Comments Concerning Trade Regulation Rule on Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods

AGENCY:

Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION:

Request for public comments.

SUMMARY:

The Federal Trade Commission (the “Commission”) is requesting public comments on a proposed exemption to its Trade Regulation Rule on Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods (“the Care Labeling Rule” or “the Rule”). The proposed exemption would permit the Esprit de Corp company to distribute three specific styles of apron camisoles without attaching permanent care labels to the garments, as otherwise required by the Care Labeling Rule. Esprit de Corp petitioned the Commission for the exemption, and submitted samples of the camisoles for consideration. If the petition is granted, care instructions for the camisoles still must be given on a hang tag, or on the package, or in some other conspicuous place, so that consumers will be able to see the care information before buying the product. All interested persons are hereby given notice of the opportunity to submit written data, views and arguments concerning this proposal.

DATES:

Written comments will be accepted until May 15, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Comments should be directed to: Secretary, Federal Trade Commission, Room H-159, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580. Comments about this exemption to the Care Labeling Rule should be identified as “petition for exemption, 16 CFR part 423—Comment.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Constance M. Vecellio, Attorney, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580, (202) 326-2966.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Rule was promulgated by the Commission on December 16, 1971, 36 FR 23883 (1971), and amended on May 20, 1983, 48 FR 22733 (1983). The Rule makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice for manufacturers and importers of textile wearing apparel and certain piece goods to sell these items without attaching care labels stating “what regular care is needed for the ordinary use of the product.” (16 CFR 423.6(a) and (b)) The Rule defines a care label as a “permanent label or tag * * * that is attached or affixed in such a manner that it will not become separated from the product * * *” (16 CFR 423.1(a))

Section 423.8(b) of the Rule states that manufacturers or importers can ask for an exemption from the requirement of attaching a permanent care label for any textile wearing apparel product or product line if the label would harm the appearance or usefulness of the product. Section 423.8(c) of the Rule states that if an item is exempt from care labeling under subparagraph (b) of section 423.8, the consumers still must be given the required care information for the product, but the care information can be provided on a hang tag, on the package, or in some other conspicuous place, so that consumers will be able to see the care information before buying the product. The petitioner claims that the appearance and usefulness of the camisoles would be damaged by attaching permanent care labels.

List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 423

• Care labeling of textile wearing apparel and certain piece goods; Trade Practices

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