FTC Final Rule Implements New Sock Packaging Labeling Requirement Effective March 3, 2006
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule, effective March 3, 2006, which amends its Rules and Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (16 CFR 303) to conform with the new sock labeling requirement imposed by the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 (Public Law (P.L.) 108-429).
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New sock packaging labeling requirement takes effect March 3, 2006. The FTC is amending 16 CFR 303.15, effective March 3, 2006, by adding a new paragraph (d) which contains the new sock packaging labeling requirements outlined below.
FTC sources have stated by phone that affected socks that are "in commerce" (in the stores, on the shelves, etc.) on or after March 3, 2006 would be subject to these new labeling requirements.
Socks within certain 8-digit HTS numbers will be subject to new country of origin labeling requirement. P.L. 108-429 amends the Textile Act by adding a new subsection, 15 U.S.C. 70b(k), which imposes special requirements for the country of origin labeling of socks that are included within the following 8-digit HTS numbers: 6115.92.90, 6115.93.90, 6115.99.18, 6111.20.60, 6111.30.50, and 6111.90.50, as in effect on September 1, 2003. (Subscribers should note that the 8-digit HTS numbers listed above cover other items, in addition to socks.)
Country of origin marking must be placed on front of package. For those socks, the country of origin marking must always be placed in English on the front of the package. If size information for the product also appears on the front of the package, the country of origin marking must be adjacent to the size information for the product.
If no size information appears on the package or if the size information appears on the back of the package, the country of origin marking must still be placed on the front of the package.
The information must be set forth in a manner that is clearly legible, conspicuous, and readily accessible to the consumer. In addition, the marking must be as indelible or permanent as the nature of the article or package will permit.
For socks that are not fully enclosed in a package, but are banded together by a label or hangtag, the information must be placed on the front of the label or tag.
Exception for socks included in a package that also contains other types of goods. According to the FTC, there is an exception to the labeling requirement for socks included in a package that also contains other types of goods (for example, a baby outfit that includes socks as well as other items of clothing).
However, such packages of multiple items must comply with other relevant subsections of the Textile Rules. See, for example, 16 CFR 303.28 (products contained in packages) and 303.29 (labeling of pairs or products containing two or more units).
FTC contact - Carol Jennings (202) 326-2996, cjennings@ftc.gov.
FTC final rule (FR Pub 12/12/05) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-23883.pdf.
BP Note
The FTC has also updated its publication entitled "Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts" to reflect the new sock packaging labeling requirement.
FTC's "Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts" available at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/thread.pdf.