FTC Seeks Public Input in Review of Care Labeling Rule for Clothing

As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the FTC is seeking public comment on the FTC Rule that requires manufacturers and importers to attach labels with care instructions for garments, so consumers have reliable instructions for washing, bleaching, drying and ironing their clothing.

Specifically, the FTC is seeking comments on the overall costs, benefits, and necessity of the Care Labeling Rule, officially called the Rule on Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods. The FTC also seeks comment on whether it should modify a provision in the Rule that permits the use of care symbols, and whether the Rule should address the disclosure of care instructions in languages other than English or the practice of professional wetcleaning.

The Commission vote approving the Advance 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. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received by September 6, 2011. All comments received will be posted at www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. (FTC File No. R511915; the staff contact is Robert M. Frisby, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2098)

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