*Subject:* *FTC Solicits Comments on Rules, Regulations, Policy,
Interpretation of FPLA (Deadline: May 21, 2014)*
PLEASE DIRECT YOUR QUESTIONS AND SEND COMMENTS DIRECTLY TO THE FEDERAL
TRADE COMMISSION – PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO NIST.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued the attached request for
public comments on its rules, regulations and policy interpretations
of the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA).
We are providing a copy of this notice because you have indicated that
you are interested in FPLA issues on the Office of Weights and
Measures Client Database.
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*_The FTC deadline for comments is May 21, 2014._**__*
Hereis the FRN (see attachment) and the notice link
(https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/03/19/2014-06066/rules-regulations-statements-of-general-policy-or-interpretation-and-exemptions-under-the-fair).
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*_FTC Q_**_UESTIONS:_*
*__*
Specifically, the Commission solicits comments on the following
questions related to its current ruleswhich are available here:
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=8c87da7af86468db2374f6cfda5ea4e1&node=16:1.0.1.5.62&rgn=div5
(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?
(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.
