Last night, the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent the Truth in Fur Labeling Act (H.R. 2480). The legislation, identical to the legislation that previously passed the House of Representatives, will now go to the White House for signature. President Obama is expected to sign, and the bill will then become effective in 90 days.
The bill will eliminate the current exemption from the Fur Products Labeling Act if the cost to a manufacturer of fur trim used on a garment (not including the cost of adding the trim to the product) or a manufacturer’s selling price of a fur product is $150 or less. The bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to review the labeling requirements of the Fur Products Labeling Act in 2011.
Manufacturers, importers, and retailers of fur products should consider current practices in anticipation of the elimination of the $150 exemption and closely monitor the FTC’s upcoming review.