www.ftc.gov/opa/predawn/F95/fairpackaging.htm
FOR RELEASE: JANUARY 12, 1994 FTC ADOPTS CONGRESSIONALLY-MANDATED RULE REQUIRING LABELS TO INCLUDE METRIC MEASUREMENT Labels and packaging for many common consumer products printed after Feb. The new requirements come in the form of amendments to the FTC regulations implementing the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), which Congress amended in 1992 to require that the quantity disclosures on labels of consumer commodities be expressed in both measurement systems. The change does not apply to consumer commodities for which labels were printed before the February 1994 date, which can continue to be used until supplies are exhausted. The FPLA, enacted in 1967, was designed to prevent unfair or deceptive packaging and labeling of most household consumer products. The FPLA requires that the label disclose the identity of the commodity; As originally enacted, the FPLA specified that the net quantity of contents disclosures be expressed in the traditional American inch/pound system of measurement. The FPLA grants enforcement authority to the FTC for certain products and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for others. Prior FTC regulations implementing the FPLA required that net quantity of contents be expressed in terms of the traditional inch/pound system, but permitted metric measures as well if manufacturers chose to use them. In addition to the dual dis- closures, the amended rules set out the prescribed format and manner of display for the dual disclosures to appear on the labels, and list several minor or technical changes to the rules. Also, the amended rules define the term "e" mark -- a certification mark used in the European Community (EC) to establish that the package is appropriately filled in accordance with EC standards. Failure to allow the use of this mark could impede American companies selling in the EC. In addition, as part of an effort to periodically review its rules and guides to identify any that should be modified or rescinded, the Commission had sought comments on a number of questions pertaining to the costs and benefits of its FPLA regulations. Although both the amended regulations announced today and the earlier regulations are mandated by the FPLA, the Commission said it has designed them to minimize the economic burden on both large and small businesses. While there may be some limited costs associated with compliance, the Commission believes that it is unlikely that the amendments will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small firms. In essence, the FTC said, all the amendments require is that companies make simple mathematical conversions from the inch/pound measurement system into the metric measurement system and include the metric equivalents on already mandated label disclosures of contents of consumer commodities. To allow time for industry to become aware of the new requirements and in the interest of promoting harmony with state enforcement policies, the FTC announced that it will not take law enforcement actions against companies that are not in compliance with the final FPLA regulations until Nov. The Commission's vote to approve for publication in the Federal Register the amended rules, as well as a statement of basis and purpose summarizing the record in support of the amendments, was 5-0. Mack, Office of Public Affairs 202-326-2182 STAFF CONTACT: Robert E. Easton, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-3029 or Bret S.
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