FTC Seeks Comment on Fair Packaging and Labeling Act Rules
Federal Trade Commission / http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/03/ftc-seeks-comment-fair-packaging-labeling-act-rules
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on rules under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) as part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides.
Enacted in 1966, the FPLA requires that certain products carry labels identifying the contents, source, item quantity, and other information in order to help consumers compare products. Product categories exempt from FTC regulations under the FPLA are meat products, poultry, tobacco products, drugs under the Food and Drug Administration’s jurisdiction, alcoholic beverages, commodities subject to the Federal Seed Act, and any commodity subject to packaging or labeling requirements imposed under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or certain provisions of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act. In addition, the FTC has specifically listed numerous products that are not subject to the FPLA.
The Commission completed its last review of its FPLA rules in 1993 and modified them in 1994. The agency seeks comments on FTC regulations to ensure that they continue to achieve their intended goals without unduly burdening commerce.
The Commission vote approving the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was 4-0. Comments can be filed electronically. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received on or before May 21, 2014. All comments received will be posted at www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. (FTC File No. R411015; the staff contact is Megan Gray, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-3408, mgray@ftc.gov).
FTC Issues Changes to Textile Labeling Rules
Federal Trade Commission / http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/03/ftc-issues-changes-textile-labeling-rules
The Federal Trade Commission has issued final amendments to its Textile Labeling Rules, addressing fiber content and country-of-origin disclosures.
The Rules implement the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, which requires that certain textiles sold in the United States carry labels disclosing the generic names and percentages by weight of the fibers in the product, the manufacturer or marketer name, and the country where the product was processed or manufactured.
In May 2013, the FTC proposed changes to the Rules and sought public comment. Based on comments received, the agency proposed amendments to the Rules and sought public comments. After weighing the comments it received, the Commission approved the changes announced today, including amendments that would:
- incorporate the updated International Organization for Standardization standard establishing generic fiber names for manufactured fibers;
- allow certain hang-tags disclosing fiber names and trademarks, and performance information, without the need to disclose the product’s full fiber content;
- clarify that an imported product’s country of origin is the country where it was processed or manufactured, as determined under laws and regulations enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection;
- better address electronic commerce with revised definitions of “invoice” and “invoice or other paper,”
- replace the requirement that guarantors sign continuing guarantees under penalty of perjury with a requirement that they acknowledge that providing a false guaranty is unlawful, and certify that they will actively monitor and ensure compliance with the applicable law; and
- clarify the provision identifying textile fiber product categories and products that are exempt from the Act’s requirements.
Based on the comments received, the Commission decided not to adopt its proposal to make continuing guaranties effective for one year unless revoked earlier. Thus, continuing guaranties filed with the Commission will remain effective until revoked.
The Commission vote to publish the Federal Register Notice amending the Rules and Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act was 4-0. It will be published in the Federal Register soon. The amended Rules will become effective 30 days after the Federal Register Notice is posted. (FTC File No. P948404; the staff contact is Robert M. Frisby, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2098.)
Deadline for Petitions Requesting HTS Statistical Category Changes is April 1, 2014
U.S. International Trade Administration / http://www.trade.gov/press/press-releases/
Deadline for Petitions Requesting HTS Statistical Category Changes is April 1, 2014 (PDF) [02/04/14]
Jordan to Participate in Container Security Initiative to Screen Cargo Destined for U.S.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/2014-03-18-000000/jordan-participate-container-security-initiative
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will participate in the Container Security Initiative. CSI increases security for maritime containerized cargo shipped to the United States from around the world by addressing the threat to border security and global trade posed by the potential threat of terrorists and terrorist weapons in the maritime environment.
“The success of CBP’s risked-based approach to security is dependent on the support of our partners,” said CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. “We are pleased to be continuing the success of the Container Security Initiative with the Kingdom of Jordan.”
The Port of Aqaba will utilize near real-time remote imaging of a container examination process, while incorporating a live video transmission/feed to monitor the inspection process. Non-intrusive inspection and radiation detection technology will be used to screen high-risk containers before they are shipped to U.S. ports. The declaration of principles was signed in Amman, Jordan on July 26, 2011.
On average, about 25,000 seagoing containers arrive at America’s seaports every day. Launched in January 2002, CSI is a revolutionary and dynamic initiative aimed at securing maritime cargo shipments against terrorist threats. There are currently 58 operational CSI ports in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North and South America. Approximately 80% of maritime cargo containers destined for the United States transit through CSI ports.
Minga Fair Trade Imports Recalls Wooden Flipping Acrobat Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission / http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Minga-Fair-Trade-Imports-Recalls-Wooden-Flipping-Acrobat-Toys/
Recall Details
Units: About 135 units
Description: The recalled flipping acrobat toys are made of painted wood and are 8.5 inches tall. The toys consist of two rectangular wooden sticks connected by a wood crosspiece near one end and a coyote, super hero, woodpecker or yellow bird wooden cartoon character suspended by nylon string at the other end.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled flipping acrobat toys away from children and return them to Minga Fair Trade Imports for a full refund or credit towards a replacement product.
Sold at: Independent children’s stores and gift shops nationwide from September 2008 through May 2013 for about $6.
Importer/Distributor: Minga Fair Trade Imports, of Lake Geneva, Wis.
Manufactured in: Peru
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
USTR Announces Results of Out-of-Cycle-Review of El Salvador
United States Trade Representative / http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2014/March/USTR-announces-Out-of-Cycle-Review-results-for-El-Salvador
Washington, DC. – The Office of the United States Trade Representative today announced the results of its Out-of-Cycle Review (OCR) of El Salvador.
Although there will be no change to El Salvador’s status based on the evidence available at the time of this OCR, USTR notes significant and ongoing concerns with El Salvador’s protection and enforcement of intellectual property, including the treatment of geographical indications and pharmaceutical products, and will continue to closely monitor developments. This determination is without prejudice to the upcoming regularly scheduled Special 301 Review, the results of which will be published on or about April 30, 2014.
Background
Pursuant to Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (1994), under the Special 301 provisions, USTR must identify those countries that deny adequate and effective protection for intellectual property rights (IPR) or deny fair and equitable market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection. Countries that have the most onerous or egregious acts, policies, or practices and whose acts, policies, or practices have the greatest adverse impact (actual or potential) on the relevant U.S. products must be designated as a "Priority Foreign Country."
USTR has created a "Priority Watch List" and "Watch List" under the Special 301 provisions. A trading partner’s placement on the Priority Watch List or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that country or economy with respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for persons relying on intellectual property. Trading partners on the Priority Watch List become the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas.
USDA Announces Growth of U.S. Organic Industry and Additional USDA Support Available with New Farm Bill
U.S. Department of Agriculture / http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2014/03/0043.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2014 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new figures today that show the organic industry continues to grow domestically and globally, with over 25,000 certified organic operations in more than 120 different countries around the world.
Through the Agricultural Marketing Service's National Organic Program, USDA has helped an additional 763 producers become certified organic in just 2013, an increase of 4.2 percent from the previous year. The industry today encompasses a record breaking 18,513 certified organic farms and businesses in the United States alone, representing a 245 percent increase since 2002. The 2013 list of certified USDA organic operations shows an increased rate of domestic growth within the industry, resuming previous trends.
"Consumer demand for organic products has grown exponentially over the past decade. With retail sales valued at $35 billion last year, the organic industry represents a tremendous economic opportunity for farmers, ranchers and rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "New support in the 2014 Farm Bill will enhance USDA's efforts to help producers and small business tap into this market and support organic agriculture as it continues to grow and thrive."
USDA has a number of new and expanded efforts to connect organic farmers and businesses with resources that will ensure the continued growth of the organic industry domestically and abroad. During this Administration, USDA has signed three major trade agreements on organic products, first with Canada and then with the European Union and Japan. Our trading partners are eager to establish organic equivalency arrangements with the U.S. because they recognize the strength of the National Organic Program and the value of the USDA organic label.
USDA is also helping organic stakeholders access programs that support conservation, provide access to loans and grants, fund organic research and education, and mitigate pest emergencies. Funds are currently available for research projects under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems. The program also funds research projects to enhance the ability of organic producers and processors to grow and market their products. Additional information is available online, and request for proposals are due by May 8, 2014.
Additionally, the recently-signed 2014 Farm Bill includes provisions that are a greater support to the organic community, including:
- $20 million annually for dedicated organic research, agricultural extension programs, and education. The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network. Every U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land-grant university and a network of local or regional offices staffed by experts that provide useful, practical, and research-based information.
- $5 million to fund data collection on organic agriculture that will give policymakers, organic farmers, and organic businesses data needed to make sound policy, business, and marketing decisions
- Expanded options for organic crop insurance to protect farmers
- Expanded exemptions for organic producers who are paying into commodity "check off" programs, and authority for USDA to consider an application for the organic sector to establish its own check off
- Improved enforcement authority for the National Organic Program to conduct investigations
- $5 million for a technology upgrade of the National Organic Program to provide up-to-date information about certified organic operations across the supply chain
- $11.5 million annually for certification cost-share assistance, which reimburses the costs of annual certification for organic farmers and livestock producers by covering 75 percent of certification costs, up to $750 per year
Additional information about USDA resources and support for the organic sector is available on the USDA Organics Resource page.