Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2014/03/19/2014-06066.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-16 15:15:24
Document Index: 232399779

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 500', 'arts 500', 'arts 500', 'art 500', 'art 500', 'art 501', 'art 502', 'art 503', 'arts 500', 'arts 500', 'arts 500', 'art 553', 'art 165', 'arts 500', 'arts 500', 'art 500', 'art 500', 'art 501', 'art 502', 'art 503', 'arts 500', 'arts\n500']

Rules, Regulations, Statements of General Policy or Interpretation and Exemptions Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15272-15275 [2014-06066] :: Federal Trade Commission :: Agencies And Commissions :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Agencies And Commissions Federal Trade Commission Rules, Regulations, Statements of General Policy or Interpretation and Exemptions Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15272-15275 [2014-06066]
Rules, Regulations, Statements of General Policy or Interpretation and Exemptions Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15272-15275 [2014-06066]
Download as PDF 15272 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS impact of the provision(s), including benefits and costs, if any, and (b) what alternatives, if any, iKeepSafe should consider, as well as the costs and benefits of those alternatives. 2. Do the provisions of the proposed guidelines governing operators’ information practices provide ‘‘the same or greater protections for children’’ as those contained in Sections 312.2– 312.10 of the Rule? 5 Where possible, please cite the relevant sections of both the Rule and the proposed guidelines. 3. Are the mechanisms used to assess operators’ compliance with the proposed guidelines effective? 6 If not, please describe (a) whether and how the assessment mechanisms could be modified to satisfy the Rule’s requirements, and (b) the costs and benefits of those modifications. 4. Are the incentives for operators’ compliance with the proposed guidelines effective? 7 If not, please describe (a) whether and how the incentives could be modified to satisfy the Rule’s requirements, and (b) the costs and benefits of those modifications. 5. Do the proposed guidelines provide adequate means for resolving consumer complaints? If not, please describe (a) whether and how the dispute resolution process could be modified to resolve consumer complaints adequately, and (b) the costs and benefits of those modifications. 6. Does iKeepSafe have the capability to run an effective safe harbor program? Specifically, can iKeepSafe effectively conduct initial and continuing assessments of operators’ fitness for membership in its program in light of its business model and technological capabilities and mechanisms? 8 If not, please describe (a) whether and how the program could be modified to ensure that iKeepSafe could run it effectively, and (b) the costs and benefits of those modifications. Section C. Invitation To Comment You can file a comment online or on paper. For the Commission to consider your comment, we must receive it on or before April 21, 2014. Write ‘‘iKeepSafe Application for Safe Harbor, Project No. 145402’’ on your comment. Your comment—including your name and your state—will be placed on the public record of this proceeding, including, to the extent practicable, on the public Commission Web site, at http:// www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. 5 See 16 CFR 312.11(b)(1); 78 FR at 4013. 6 See 16 CFR 312.11(b)(2); 78 FR at 4013. 7 See 16 CFR 312.11(b)(3); 78 FR at 4013. 8 See 16 CFR 312.11(c)(1). VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 As a matter of discretion, the Commission tries to remove individuals’ home contact information from comments before placing them on the Commission Web site. Because your comment will be made public, you are solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive personal information, like anyone’s Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number or other state identification number or foreign country equivalent, passport number, financial account number, or credit or debit card number. You are also solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive health information, like medical records or other individually identifiable health information. In addition, do not include any ‘‘[t]rade secret or any commercial or financial information which is . . . privileged or confidential,’’ as provided in Section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2). In particular, do not include competitively sensitive information such as costs, sales statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, manufacturing processes, or customer names. If you want the Commission to give your comment confidential treatment, you must file it in paper form, with a request for confidential treatment, and follow the procedure explained in FTC Rule 4.9(c), 16 CFR 4.9(c).9 Your comment will be kept confidential only if the FTC General Counsel, in his or her sole discretion, grants your request in accordance with the law and the public interest. Postal mail addressed to the Commission is subject to delay due to heightened security screening. As a result, we encourage you to submit your comments online. To make sure that the Commission considers your online comment, you must file it at https:// ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/ ikeepsafeapp, by following the instructions on the web-based form. If this Notice appears at http:// www.regulations.gov/#!home, you also may file a comment through that Web site. If you file your comment on paper, write ‘‘iKeepSafe Application for Safe Harbor, Project No. 145402’’ on your comment and on the envelope, and mail or deliver it to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Room H–113 (Annex H), 600 9 In particular, the written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the comment must include the factual and legal basis for the request, and must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c), 16 CFR 4.9(c). PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580. If possible, submit your paper comment to the Commission by courier or overnight service. Visit the Commission Web site at http://www.ftc.gov to read this Notice and the news release describing it. The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this proceeding as appropriate. The Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments that it receives on or before April 21, 2014. You can find more information, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, in the Commission’s privacy policy, at http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/privacy.htm. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–06035 Filed 3–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750–01–P FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Parts 500, 501, 502, and 503 Rules, Regulations, Statements of General Policy or Interpretation and Exemptions Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act Federal Trade Commission (‘‘FTC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’). ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; request for public comment. AGENCY: The Commission systematically reviews its rules and guides to ensure they continue to achieve their intended purpose without unduly burdening commerce. As part of this systematic review, the Commission requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity, and regulatory and economic impact of the FTC’s Rules, Regulations, Statements of General Policy or Interpretation and Exemptions under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (‘‘FPLA’’ or ‘‘Act’’). DATES: Comments must be submitted by May 21, 2014. ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a comment online or on paper, by following the instructions in the Request for Comment part of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Write ‘‘FPLA Rules, 16 CFR Parts 500–503, Project No. R411015’’ on your comment, and file your comment online at https://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ ftc/fairlabelingact by following the instructions on the web-based form. If you prefer to file your comment on paper, mail or deliver your comment to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Room H–113 (Annex G), 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Megan E. Gray, Attorney, (202) 326– 3408, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15 U.S.C. 1451 et seq., enacted in 1966, is designed to facilitate value comparisons and prevent unfair or deceptive packaging and labeling of many ‘‘consumer commodities.’’ Those consumer commodities are any food, device, or cosmetic,1 and any other article, product, or commodity of any kind or class which is customarily produced or distributed for sale through retail sales agencies or instrumentalities for consumption by individuals, or use by individuals for purposes of personal care or in the performance of services ordinarily rendered within the household, and which usually is consumed or expended in the course of such consumption or use.2 Several categories of products are exempt from FTC regulations under FPLA. The Act specifically excludes: (a) Meat products; (b) poultry; (c) tobacco products; (d) any commodity subject to packaging or labeling requirements imposed by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or certain provisions of the Virus-SerumToxin Act; (e) drugs under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration; (f) alcoholic beverages; and (g) commodities subject to the Federal Seed Act.3 Moreover, the FTC has specifically listed items it has deemed not to be consumer commodities subject to the Act, including automotive products, bottled gas for heating or cooking, Christmas light sets, cigarette lighters, clothing and other textiles, durable goods, gift ties and tapes, gift wraps, greeting cards, hardware, inks, lawn and garden supplies, magnetic recording tape, paints and kindred products, pet care supplies, safety flares, safety pins, school supplies, sewing accessories, small arms ammunition, souvenirs, 1 The Food and Drug Administration administers the FPLA with respect to foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. 15 U.S.C. 1454(a); 15 U.S.C. 1456(a). 2 15 U.S.C. 1459. 3 15 U.S.C. 1459. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 stationery and writing supplies, threads, tools, toys, and typewriter ribbons.4 Imported consumer commodities are also excluded from FTC enforcement.5 Section 1453 of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 1453, directs the Commission to issue regulations requiring that all ‘‘consumer commodities’’ be labeled to disclose: (a) The identity of the commodity (e.g., detergent, sponges), which must appear on the principal display panel of the commodity in a conspicuous type and position so that it is easy to read and understand; 6 (b) the name and place of business of the product’s manufacturer, packer, or distributor; 7 and (c) the net quantity of contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count, with such disclosure’s placement and content in accordance with the Rules.8 The Rules detail how units of weight or mass and measure must be stated, and require use of both U.S. measures (e.g., pounds, feet, and gallons) and metric measures.9 Title 16 CFR parts 500 through 503 (or the ‘‘Rules’’) also specify net quantity requirements for packages containing more than one product or unit, including: (a) ‘‘multi-unit packages,’’ defined as packages containing more than one individually packaged or labeled unit of an identical commodity; 10 (b) ‘‘variety packages,’’ defined as packages containing two or more individual packages or units of similar, but not identical, commodities; 11 and (c) ‘‘combination packages,’’ defined as packages containing more than one individual package or unit of different commodities.12 4 16 CFR 503.2, 503.5. Many products exempt from the FTC’s jurisdiction under the FPLA nevertheless fall within the purview of individual state laws. 15 U.S.C. 1461. See also National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 130, Uniform Laws and Regulations in the areas of legal metrology and engine fuel quality (2014 ed.) (compilation of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to product labeling and packaging). 5 15 U.S.C. 1456(c). 6 16 CFR 500.4. The identity must be expressed either as the name required by any applicable federal law or regulation, or in the absence thereof, the common or usual name of the commodity, or, in the absence thereof, the generic name or other appropriately descriptive terms that include a statement of function of the product. 7 16 CFR 500.5. 8 16 CFR 500.6(b). The Office of Weights and Measures of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, is authorized to promote to the greatest practical extent uniformity in state and federal regulation of the labeling of consumer commodities. 15 U.S.C. 1458(a)(2). 9 The FPLA was amended in 1992 to require use of metric measurements. 15 U.S.C. 205b. In 1994, the FTC modified its regulations accordingly. 59 FR 1872 (Jan. 12, 1994). 10 16 CFR 500.27. 11 16 CFR 500.28. 12 16 CFR 500.29. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 15273 The Act grants the FTC discretionary authority when necessary to prevent consumer deception or to facilitate value comparisons.13 The FTC has used this authority to issue regulations prohibiting three types of representations. First, the Rules prohibit the use of the term ‘‘cents-off’’ or words of similar import on packaging, unless, among other things, the claim reflects a true savings from the seller’s ordinary and customary price.14 Second, the Rules prohibit the term ‘‘introductory offer’’ or words of similar import on packaging unless, among other things, the product is new, has been changed in a substantial respect, or is being introduced into the trade area for the first time.15 Third, the Rules prohibit the term ‘‘economy size’’ or words of similar import on packaging unless, among other things, the product is offered at a per-unit price reduced at least five percent from the actual retail price of all other differently sized packages of the same product offered at the same time.16 The Commission completed its last review of the Rules in 1993, and modified the Rules in 1994.17 II. Regulatory Review Program Since 1992, the Commission’s regulatory review program has systematically reviewed Commission regulations to ensure that they continue to achieve their intended goals without unduly burdening commerce. The Commission schedules its regulations and guides for review on a ten-year cycle; i.e., all rules and guides are scheduled to be reviewed ten years after implementation and ten years after the completion of each review. The Commission publishes this schedule annually, with adjustments in response to public input, changes in the marketplace, and resource demands.18 When the Commission reviews a rule or guide, it publishes a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the continuing need of the rule or guide as well as its costs and benefits to consumers and businesses. 13 15 U.S.C. 1454(c). This discretionary authority enables the FTC to address four situations: (1) Setting size standards that supplement label statements of net quantity; (2) regulating packaging that claims a product price is lower than its customary retail price; (3) requiring labels to use common names or listing ingredients in order of decreasing prominence; and preventing nonfunctional slack-fill. 15 U.S.C. 1454(c). 14 16 CFR 502.100. 15 16 CFR 502.101(b)(1). The Rules prohibit introductory offers in a trade area for a duration in excess of six months. 16 CFR 502.101(b)(3). 16 16 CFR 502.102. 17 59 FR 1872 (Jan. 12, 1994). 18 78 FR 30798 (May 23, 2013). E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 15274 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules Based on this feedback, the Commission may modify or repeal the rule or guide to address public concerns or changed conditions, or to reduce undue regulatory burden. Therefore, the Commission now solicits comments on, among other things, the economic impact of, and the continuing need for, the FPLA Rules; the benefits of the Rules to consumers purchasing products covered by them; and the burdens the Rules place on businesses. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS III. Request for Comment The Commission seeks public comment on: (a) Regulations under Section 4 of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 16 CFR Part 500; (b) Exemptions from Requirements and Prohibitions under Part 500, 16 CFR Part 501; (c) Regulations under Section 5(c) of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 16 CFR Part 502; and (d) Statements of General Policy or Interpretation, 16 CFR Part 503. Specifically, the Commission solicits comments on the following questions related to the Rules. (1) Is there a continuing need for the Rules as currently promulgated? Why or why not? (2) What benefits have the Rules provided to, or what significant costs have the Rules imposed on, consumers? Provide any evidence supporting your position. (3) What modifications, if any, should the Commission make to the Rules to increase their benefits or reduce their costs to consumers? (a) Provide any evidence supporting your proposed modifications. (b) How would these modifications affect the costs and benefits of the Rules for consumers and businesses, including small businesses? (4) What impact have the Rules had in promoting the flow of truthful information to consumers or preventing the flow of deceptive information to consumers? Provide any evidence supporting your position. (5) What benefits, if any, have the Rules provided to, or what significant costs, including costs of compliance, have the Rules imposed on businesses, including small businesses? Provide any evidence supporting your position. (6) What modifications, if any, should be made to the Rules to increase their benefits or reduce their costs to businesses, including small businesses? (a) Provide any evidence supporting your proposed modifications. (b) How would these modifications affect the costs and benefits of the Rules for consumers and businesses, including small businesses? VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 (7) Provide any evidence concerning the degree of industry compliance with the Rules. Does this evidence indicate that the Rules should be modified? If so, why and how? If not, why not? (8) Provide any evidence concerning whether any of the Rules’ provisions are no longer necessary. Explain why these provisions are unnecessary. (9) What potentially unfair or deceptive practices concerning product packaging and labeling, falling within the FTC’s purview under the Act, are occurring in the marketplace? (a) Provide any evidence, such as empirical data, consumer perception studies, or consumer complaints, demonstrating the extent of such practices. (b) Provide any evidence demonstrating whether such practices cause consumer injury. (c) With reference to such practices, should the Rules be modified? If so, why and how? If not, why not? (10) What modifications, if any, should be made to the Rules to account for current or impending changes in technology or economic conditions? (a) Provide any evidence supporting the proposed modifications. (b) How would these modifications affect the costs and benefits of the Rules for consumers and businesses, including small businesses? (11) Do the Rules duplicate or conflict with other federal, state, or local laws or rules, such as those enforced by U.S. Food and Drug Administration? If so, how? (a) Provide any evidence supporting your position. (b) With reference to the asserted conflicts, should the Rules be modified? If so, why and how? If not, why not? (12) Provide any evidence concerning whether the Rules have assisted in promoting national consistency with respect to product packaging and labeling. (13) Are there foreign or international laws, regulations, or standards with respect to product packaging and labeling that the Commission should consider as it reviews the Rules? If so, what are they? (a) Should the Rules be modified in order to harmonize with these international laws, regulations, or standards? If so, why and how? If not, why not? (b) How would such harmonization affect the costs and benefits of the Rules for consumers and businesses, including small businesses? (c) Provide any evidence supporting your position. You can file a comment online or on paper. For the Commission to consider PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 your comment, we must receive it on or before May 21, 2014. Write ‘‘FPLA Rules, 16 CFR Parts 500–503, Project No. R411015’’ on your comment. Your comment—including your name and your state—will be placed on the public record of this proceeding, including, to the extent practicable, on the public Commission Web site, at http:// www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. As a matter of discretion, the Commission tries to remove individuals’ home contact information from comments before placing them on the Commission Web site. Because your comment will be made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring your comment doesn’t include any sensitive personal information, such as anyone’s Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number or other state identification number or foreign country equivalent, passport number, financial account number, or credit or debit card number. You are also solely responsible for ensuring your comment doesn’t include any sensitive health information, like medical records or other individually-identifiable health information. In addition, don’t include any ‘‘[t]rade secret or any commercial or financial information which is . . . privileged or confidential,’’ as discussed in Section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2). In particular, don’t include competitively sensitive information such as costs, sales statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, manufacturing processes, or customer names. If you want the Commission to treat your comment as confidential, you must file it in paper form, with a request for confidential treatment, and you must follow the procedure explained in FTC Rule 4.9(c), 16 CFR 4.9(c).19 Your comment will be kept confidential only if the FTC General Counsel grants your request in accordance with the law and the public interest. Postal mail addressed to the Commission is subject to delay due to heightened security screening. As a result, we encourage you to submit your comments online. To ensure the Commission considers your online comment, you must file it at https:// ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/ fairlabelingact by following the instructions on the web-based form. If this Notice appears at http:// www.regulations.gov/#!home, you also 19 In particular, the written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the comment must include the factual and legal basis for the request and must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c), 16 CFR 4.9(c). E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules may file a comment through that Web site. If you file your comment on paper, write ‘‘FPLA Rules, 16 CFR Parts 500– 503, Project No. R411015’’ on your comment and on the envelope and mail or deliver it to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Room H–113 (Annex G), 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580. If possible, submit your paper comment to the Commission by courier or overnight service. Visit the Commission Web site at http://www.ftc.gov to read this Notice and the news release describing it. The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this proceeding as appropriate. The Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments received on or before May 21, 2014. You can find more information, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, in the Commission’s privacy policy, at http:// www.ftc.gov/ftc/privacy.htm. List of Subjects in 16 CFR Parts 500 Through 503 Labeling, Packaging and containers. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1453, 1454, 1455, 1456. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–06066 Filed 3–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 30 CFR Part 553 [Docket ID: BOEM–2012–0076; MMAA104000] RIN 1010–AD87 Consumer Price Index Adjustments of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Limit of Liability for Offshore Facilities Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule—extension of public comment period. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: BOEM has proposed to add a new subpart G to its regulations on Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR) for Offshore Facilities designed to increase the limit of liability for damages applicable to offshore facilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), to reflect significant increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since 1990, and to establish a methodology SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 BOEM would use to periodically adjust for inflation the OPA offshore facility limit of liability. BOEM is publishing this update to its regulations and is soliciting public comments on the method of updates, the clarity of the rule and any other pertinent matters. The Department originally limited the rulemaking comment period to 30 days since it did not anticipate receiving significant comments on this rulemaking. Since the publication of this proposed rule on Monday, February 24, 2014 (79 FR 10056), numerous comments have been received and various groups have requested that additional time be provided for them to review and analyze the implications of this proposed rule. For that reason, the comment period is being extended by an additional 30 days. The new comment period will elapse 60 days from February 24, 2014, the original date of publication of the proposed rule. DATES: Submit comments by April 25, 2014. You may submit comments on the rulemaking by any of the following methods. Please use the Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1010–AD87 as an identifier in your submission. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. In the entry entitled, ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID,’’ enter BOEM–2012–0076, then click search. Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this rulemaking. BOEM will post all comments received during the comment period. • Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior; Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; Attention: Peter Meffert, Office of Policy, Regulations and Analysis (OPRA); 381 Elden Street, MS–4001, Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817. Please reference ‘‘Consumer Price Index Adjustments of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Limit of Liability for Offshore Facilities’’ in your comments and include your name and return address so that we may contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. • Email comments to the Department of the Interior; Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; Attention: Peter Meffert, Office of Policy, Regulations and Analysis (OPRA) at peter.meffert@ boem.gov. 15275 comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions regarding the limit of liability established by this proposed rule, or related to the limits of liability adjustment process, should be directed to Dr. Marshall Rose, Chief, Economics Division, Office of Strategic Resources, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management at 381 Elden Street, MS–4050 Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817 at (703) 787–1538 or email at marshall.rose@boem.gov. Dated: March 11, 2014. Tommy P. Beaudreau, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. 2014–06047 Filed 3–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P ADDRESSES: Public Availability of Comments • Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket Number USCG–2014–0045] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; 2014 International Oil Spill Conference On-Water and Aerial Technical Demonstration; Savannah River, Savannah, Georgia Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary safety zone on the waters of the Savannah River near the Westin Resort, Savannah, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. The safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the International Oil Spill Conference On-Water and Aerial Technical Demonstration. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Savannah or a designated representative. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before April 7, 2014. Requests for public meetings must be received by the Coast Guard by April 7, 2014. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1
[Pages 15272-15275]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06066]
Rules, Regulations, Statements of General Policy or
Interpretation and Exemptions Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
SUMMARY: The Commission systematically reviews its rules and guides to
ensure they continue to achieve their intended purpose without unduly
burdening commerce. As part of this systematic review, the Commission
requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity, and
regulatory and economic impact of the FTC's Rules, Regulations,
Statements of General Policy or Interpretation and Exemptions under the
Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (``FPLA'' or ``Act'').
DATES: Comments must be submitted by May 21, 2014.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Write ``FPLA Rules, 16 CFR
Parts 500-503, Project No. R411015'' on your comment, and file your
comment online at https://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/fairlabelingact by following the instructions on the web-based form. If
you prefer to file your comment on paper, mail or deliver your comment
[[Page 15273]]
Secretary, Room H-113 (Annex G), 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Megan E. Gray, Attorney, (202) 326-
3408, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal
Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580.
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.,
enacted in 1966, is designed to facilitate value comparisons and
prevent unfair or deceptive packaging and labeling of many ``consumer
commodities.'' Those consumer commodities are any food, device, or
cosmetic,\1\ and any other article, product, or commodity of any kind
or class which is customarily produced or distributed for sale through
individuals, or use by individuals for purposes of personal care or in
the performance of services ordinarily rendered within the household,
and which usually is consumed or expended in the course of such
consumption or use.\2\
\1\ The Food and Drug Administration administers the FPLA with
respect to foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. 15 U.S.C.
1454(a); 15 U.S.C. 1456(a).
\2\ 15 U.S.C. 1459.
Several categories of products are exempt from FTC regulations
under FPLA. The Act specifically excludes: (a) Meat products; (b)
poultry; (c) tobacco products; (d) any commodity subject to packaging
or labeling requirements imposed by the Secretary of Agriculture
pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or
certain provisions of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act; (e) drugs under the
jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration; (f) alcoholic
beverages; and (g) commodities subject to the Federal Seed Act.\3\
Moreover, the FTC has specifically listed items it has deemed not to be
consumer commodities subject to the Act, including automotive products,
bottled gas for heating or cooking, Christmas light sets, cigarette
lighters, clothing and other textiles, durable goods, gift ties and
tapes, gift wraps, greeting cards, hardware, inks, lawn and garden
supplies, magnetic recording tape, paints and kindred products, pet
care supplies, safety flares, safety pins, school supplies, sewing
accessories, small arms ammunition, souvenirs, stationery and writing
supplies, threads, tools, toys, and typewriter ribbons.\4\ Imported
consumer commodities are also excluded from FTC enforcement.\5\
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 1459.
\4\ 16 CFR 503.2, 503.5. Many products exempt from the FTC's
jurisdiction under the FPLA nevertheless fall within the purview of
individual state laws. 15 U.S.C. 1461. See also National Institute
of Standards and Technology Handbook 130, Uniform Laws and
Regulations in the areas of legal metrology and engine fuel quality
(2014 ed.) (compilation of state and federal laws and regulations
pertaining to product labeling and packaging).
\5\ 15 U.S.C. 1456(c).
Section 1453 of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 1453, directs the Commission to
issue regulations requiring that all ``consumer commodities'' be
labeled to disclose: (a) The identity of the commodity (e.g.,
detergent, sponges), which must appear on the principal display panel
of the commodity in a conspicuous type and position so that it is easy
to read and understand; \6\ (b) the name and place of business of the
product's manufacturer, packer, or distributor; \7\ and (c) the net
quantity of contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count,
with such disclosure's placement and content in accordance with the
Rules.\8\ The Rules detail how units of weight or mass and measure must
be stated, and require use of both U.S. measures (e.g., pounds, feet,
and gallons) and metric measures.\9\
\6\ 16 CFR 500.4. The identity must be expressed either as the
name required by any applicable federal law or regulation, or in the
absence thereof, the common or usual name of the commodity, or, in
the absence thereof, the generic name or other appropriately
descriptive terms that include a statement of function of the
\7\ 16 CFR 500.5.
\8\ 16 CFR 500.6(b). The Office of Weights and Measures of the
Commerce, is authorized to promote to the greatest practical extent
uniformity in state and federal regulation of the labeling of
consumer commodities. 15 U.S.C. 1458(a)(2).
\9\ The FPLA was amended in 1992 to require use of metric
measurements. 15 U.S.C. 205b. In 1994, the FTC modified its
regulations accordingly. 59 FR 1872 (Jan. 12, 1994).
Title 16 CFR parts 500 through 503 (or the ``Rules'') also specify
net quantity requirements for packages containing more than one product
or unit, including: (a) ``multi-unit packages,'' defined as packages
containing more than one individually packaged or labeled unit of an
identical commodity; \10\ (b) ``variety packages,'' defined as packages
containing two or more individual packages or units of similar, but not
identical, commodities; \11\ and (c) ``combination packages,'' defined
as packages containing more than one individual package or unit of
different commodities.\12\
\10\ 16 CFR 500.27.
\11\ 16 CFR 500.28.
\12\ 16 CFR 500.29.
The Act grants the FTC discretionary authority when necessary to
prevent consumer deception or to facilitate value comparisons.\13\ The
FTC has used this authority to issue regulations prohibiting three
types of representations. First, the Rules prohibit the use of the term
``cents-off'' or words of similar import on packaging, unless, among
other things, the claim reflects a true savings from the seller's
ordinary and customary price.\14\ Second, the Rules prohibit the term
``introductory offer'' or words of similar import on packaging unless,
among other things, the product is new, has been changed in a
substantial respect, or is being introduced into the trade area for the
first time.\15\ Third, the Rules prohibit the term ``economy size'' or
words of similar import on packaging unless, among other things, the
product is offered at a per-unit price reduced at least five percent
from the actual retail price of all other differently sized packages of
the same product offered at the same time.\16\
\13\ 15 U.S.C. 1454(c). This discretionary authority enables the
FTC to address four situations: (1) Setting size standards that
supplement label statements of net quantity; (2) regulating
packaging that claims a product price is lower than its customary
retail price; (3) requiring labels to use common names or listing
ingredients in order of decreasing prominence; and preventing
nonfunctional slack-fill. 15 U.S.C. 1454(c).
\14\ 16 CFR 502.100.
\15\ 16 CFR 502.101(b)(1). The Rules prohibit introductory
offers in a trade area for a duration in excess of six months. 16
CFR 502.101(b)(3).
\16\ 16 CFR 502.102.
The Commission completed its last review of the Rules in 1993, and
modified the Rules in 1994.\17\
\17\ 59 FR 1872 (Jan. 12, 1994).
Since 1992, the Commission's regulatory review program has
systematically reviewed Commission regulations to ensure that they
continue to achieve their intended goals without unduly burdening
commerce. The Commission schedules its regulations and guides for
review on a ten-year cycle; i.e., all rules and guides are scheduled to
be reviewed ten years after implementation and ten years after the
completion of each review. The Commission publishes this schedule
annually, with adjustments in response to public input, changes in the
marketplace, and resource demands.\18\
\18\ 78 FR 30798 (May 23, 2013).
When the Commission reviews a rule or guide, it publishes a notice
in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the continuing need
of the rule or guide as well as its costs and benefits to consumers and
Based on this feedback, the Commission may modify or repeal the rule or
guide to address public concerns or changed conditions, or to reduce
undue regulatory burden. Therefore, the Commission now solicits
comments on, among other things, the economic impact of, and the
continuing need for, the FPLA Rules; the benefits of the Rules to
consumers purchasing products covered by them; and the burdens the
Rules place on businesses.
The Commission seeks public comment on: (a) Regulations under
Section 4 of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 16 CFR Part 500; (b)
Exemptions from Requirements and Prohibitions under Part 500, 16 CFR
Part 501; (c) Regulations under Section 5(c) of the Fair Packaging and
Labeling Act, 16 CFR Part 502; and (d) Statements of General Policy or
Interpretation, 16 CFR Part 503. Specifically, the Commission solicits
comments on the following questions related to the Rules.
(1) Is there a continuing need for the Rules as currently
(2) What benefits have the Rules provided to, or what significant
costs have the Rules imposed on, consumers? Provide any evidence
Rules to increase their benefits or reduce their costs to consumers?
the Rules for consumers and businesses, including small businesses?
(4) What impact have the Rules had in promoting the flow of
truthful information to consumers or preventing the flow of deceptive
information to consumers? Provide any evidence supporting your
(5) What benefits, if any, have the Rules provided to, or what
significant costs, including costs of compliance, have the Rules
imposed on businesses, including small businesses? Provide any evidence
(6) What modifications, if any, should be made to the Rules to
increase their benefits or reduce their costs to businesses, including
(7) Provide any evidence concerning the degree of industry
compliance with the Rules. Does this evidence indicate that the Rules
should be modified? If so, why and how? If not, why not?
(8) Provide any evidence concerning whether any of the Rules'
provisions are no longer necessary. Explain why these provisions are
(9) What potentially unfair or deceptive practices concerning
product packaging and labeling, falling within the FTC's purview under
the Act, are occurring in the marketplace?
(a) Provide any evidence, such as empirical data, consumer
perception studies, or consumer complaints, demonstrating the extent of
(b) Provide any evidence demonstrating whether such practices cause
(c) With reference to such practices, should the Rules be modified?
If so, why and how? If not, why not?
(10) What modifications, if any, should be made to the Rules to
account for current or impending changes in technology or economic
(11) Do the Rules duplicate or conflict with other federal, state,
or local laws or rules, such as those enforced by U.S. Food and Drug
Administration? If so, how?
(b) With reference to the asserted conflicts, should the Rules be
modified? If so, why and how? If not, why not?
(12) Provide any evidence concerning whether the Rules have
assisted in promoting national consistency with respect to product
(13) Are there foreign or international laws, regulations, or
standards with respect to product packaging and labeling that the
Commission should consider as it reviews the Rules? If so, what are
(a) Should the Rules be modified in order to harmonize with these
international laws, regulations, or standards? If so, why and how? If
consider your comment, we must receive it on or before May 21, 2014.
Write ``FPLA Rules, 16 CFR Parts 500-503, Project No. R411015'' on your
comments before placing them on the Commission Web site. Because your
comment will be made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring
your comment doesn't include any sensitive personal information, such
as anyone's Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license
number or other state identification number or foreign country
equivalent, passport number, financial account number, or credit or
debit card number. You are also solely responsible for ensuring your
comment doesn't include any sensitive health information, like medical
records or other individually-identifiable health information. In
addition, don't include any ``[t]rade secret or any commercial or
financial information which is . . . privileged or confidential,'' as
discussed in Section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule
4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2). In particular, don't include
If you want the Commission to treat your comment as confidential,
you must file it in paper form, with a request for confidential
treatment, and you must follow the procedure explained in FTC Rule
4.9(c), 16 CFR 4.9(c).\19\ Your comment will be kept confidential only
if the FTC General Counsel grants your request in accordance with the
law and the public interest.
your comments online. To ensure the Commission considers your online
comment, you must file it at https://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/fairlabelingact by following the instructions on the web-based form. If
this Notice appears at http://www.regulations.gov/#!home, you also
\19\ In particular, the written request for confidential
legal basis for the request and must identify the specific portions
If you file your comment on paper, write ``FPLA Rules, 16 CFR Parts
500-503, Project No. R411015'' on your comment and on the envelope and
Office of the Secretary, Room H-113 (Annex G), 600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments
received on or before May 21, 2014. You can find more information,
Labeling, Packaging and containers.
Authority:  15 U.S.C. 1453, 1454, 1455, 1456.