FTC Proposes Changes to its Fur Labeling Rules

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on changes the agency is proposing that would eliminate unnecessary requirements on companies that sell fur products to give them more flexibility on labeling, and update the Fur Products Name Guide that lists common animal names allowed on fur labels.  The proposed changes also would incorporate provisions of a fur labeling law passed by Congress in 2010, the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010 (TFLA). The proposals are part of a review of the Name Guide required by Congress under the TFLA and the FTC’s systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides.

The Fur Products Name Guide is part of the FTC’s Fur Labeling and Advertising Rules, commonly known as the Fur Rules, which help inform consumers by requiring manufacturers and retailers to label fur products with certain information, such as the animal’s name and an imported fur’s country of origin.  The Name Guide provides English names for fur-producing animals, listed by genus-species.

In March 2011, as required by the TFLA, the FTC began a review of the Name Guide, sought public comments on the Fur Rules generally, and announced upcoming changes to the Fur Rules required by Congress.  In December 2011, the Commission also held a public hearing and invited views on all aspects of the Name Guide, including using the Integrated Taxonomic Information System to determine an animal’s true English name, and whether the agency should modify, add or delete names for several specific species.

Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments can be filed electronically by clicking here. Comments must be received by November 16, 2012.  All comments received will be posted on the FTC website.

The Commission vote approving the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was 5-0.  It is available on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release and will be published in the Federal Register soon.  (FTC File No. P074201; the staff contact is Matthew Wilshire, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2976)

For more information, read How to Comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act and the complete Rules and Regulations Under the Fur Products Labeling Act.

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