FTC Adopts Changes to Rules on Packaging and Labeling
The Federal Trade Commission recently adopted changes to its Fair Packaging and Labeling Act regulations in order clarify certain labeling rules and remove outdated requirements, it said in a press release (here). The commission voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to adopt nearly unchanged a proposed rule issued in February (see 1501300021). The final rule (here) has yet to be published in the Federal Register, but will take effect 30 days after its date of publication.
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Changes in the final rule include allowing companies not to list their street addresses on packaging as long as the address is available on a website. Previously, companies have only been allowed to omit their address if it’s listed in a phone book. The final rule eliminates provisions governing use of certain outdated terms like "cents off," "introductory offer" and "economy size." The new regulations also specifically allow use of exponents for customary measurements like cubic inches, include a more detailed metric/customary conversion table, and add a statement cautioning that states may still regulate products that are exempt from the FTC regulations.