Konkurencja i konsument · 18.09.1995

``Made in USA'' Consumer Perception Study Information Collection Requirements

OMB clearance is being sought for two questionnaires to be used in connection with a survey to gather information regarding ``Made in USA'' and other country of origin claims in advertising and labeling of products. Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45, directs the Commission to prevent ``deceptive acts and practices.'' Under this general authority, the Commission has prohibited deceptive ``Made in USA'' claims in product advertising and labeling. The Commission's longstanding standard in this area is that a manufacturer can make an unqualified ``Made in USA'' claim only if the product is ``wholly of domestic origin.'' See, e.g., Windsor Pen Corp., 64 F.T.C. 454 (1964). Recently, the Commission sought public comments on a proposed consent agreement prohibiting unqualified ``Made in USA'' claims for both imported products and products assembled in the United States from domestic and foreign components. In response, the Commission received 150 comments, many of which urged reconsideration of the standard, stating that it is too stringent, does not reflect current consumer perceptions in today's globalized economy, and is inconsistent with other government stand