The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a draft notice seeking public comment on a proposed repeal of the Care Labeling rule for Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods (the “Care Labeling Rule”). The notice is expected to be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

The Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers of textile wearing apparel and certain piece goods to attach labels to their products disclosing the care needed for the ordinary use of the product. These labels provide instructions for dry cleaning or washing, bleaching, drying or ironing clothing.

The FTC previously sought public comment on the overall costs, benefits, and necessity of the Care Labeling Rule in 2011, as well as proposed amendments to the Rule in 2012.

The Supplementary Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requests comments from the public on a number of questions, including:

• The costs and benefits to manufacturers, cleaners, and consumers if the Rule is repealed or retained;
• What deceptive or unfair practices exist in the marketplace related to care labeling;
• The impact of repeal on the care instructions manufacturers currently provide to consumers; and
• Whether manufacturers would bear additional costs to make substantiated and accurate disclosures to consumers in the absence of the Rule.

Written comments must be received on or before 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

Should you have any questions or would like assistance in preparing comments in response to the proposed repeal of the Care Labeling Rule, please do not hesitate to contact David J. Evan or Christine E. Hintze.