[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 73 (Friday, April 14, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20108-20109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-9266]
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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
16 CFR Part 423
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.
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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
[[Page 20109]]
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.
By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-9266 Filed 4-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-M