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Truth in Fur Labeling Act introduced by Rep. Jim Moran
21 Mar '11
3 min read
Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, announced that his legislation, the “Truth in Fur Labeling Act” (H.R. 2480), goes into effect March 18, 2011. The FTC will crack down on the illegal dog and cat fur trade by enforcing rules that require all garments containing any amount of fur to list the species of the animal used on the product's label.
Championed by Rep. Moran and supported by numerous animal protection organizations, consumer advocates, and private retailers, the “Truth in Fur Labeling Act” (H.R. 2480) passed last year by the House in July and the Senate in December. President Obama signed the legislation into law on December 18th.
“This loophole has been exploited to pawn off dog, cat, and other animal fur as an artificial fiber,” said Congressman Moran. “Many Americans choose not to purchase fur products, preferring instead “faux” fur as a substitute. Consumers with allergies or ethical objections to fur, or those who may have concerns about the use of certain species for fur production, will now be protected from deceptive advertising and able to make educated purchasing decisions.”
In recent years, Humane Society of the United States investigators found some of the largest names in U.S. retailing were unknowingly selling falsely labeled dog fur on clothing. Of the fur-trimmed jackets tested, 96 percent were found to be domestic dog, wolf or raccoon dog, and either mislabeled or not labeled at all.
“Consumers who choose to avoid animal fur can now shop with more confidence, knowing that the law requires fur-trimmed garments to be labeled,” said Michael Markarian, chief operating officer of The Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful to Congressman Moran for working to bring more accuracy and transparency to the fur fashion industry, and for his leadership on this important animal welfare and consumer protection issue.”
The Moran legislation closes a loophole in the Fur Products Labeling Act of 1951 that exempts garments with a “relatively small quantity or value” of fur from requiring labels disclosing the name of the species, the manufacturer, the country of origin and other pertinent information for consumers.
As part of the FTC's enforcement policy, garments purchased by retailers prior to March 18, 2011, will not be subjected to enforcement for one year. This will give retailers time to comply with the law's labeling requirements without unduly disrupting current inventory. All garments purchased by retailers on or after March 18, 2011, will be immediately subject to the improved labeling requirements.
Championed by Rep. Moran and supported by numerous animal protection organizations, consumer advocates, and private retailers, the “Truth in Fur Labeling Act” (H.R. 2480) passed last year by the House in July and the Senate in December. President Obama signed the legislation into law on December 18th.
“This loophole has been exploited to pawn off dog, cat, and other animal fur as an artificial fiber,” said Congressman Moran. “Many Americans choose not to purchase fur products, preferring instead “faux” fur as a substitute. Consumers with allergies or ethical objections to fur, or those who may have concerns about the use of certain species for fur production, will now be protected from deceptive advertising and able to make educated purchasing decisions.”
In recent years, Humane Society of the United States investigators found some of the largest names in U.S. retailing were unknowingly selling falsely labeled dog fur on clothing. Of the fur-trimmed jackets tested, 96 percent were found to be domestic dog, wolf or raccoon dog, and either mislabeled or not labeled at all.
“Consumers who choose to avoid animal fur can now shop with more confidence, knowing that the law requires fur-trimmed garments to be labeled,” said Michael Markarian, chief operating officer of The Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful to Congressman Moran for working to bring more accuracy and transparency to the fur fashion industry, and for his leadership on this important animal welfare and consumer protection issue.”
The Moran legislation closes a loophole in the Fur Products Labeling Act of 1951 that exempts garments with a “relatively small quantity or value” of fur from requiring labels disclosing the name of the species, the manufacturer, the country of origin and other pertinent information for consumers.
As part of the FTC's enforcement policy, garments purchased by retailers prior to March 18, 2011, will not be subjected to enforcement for one year. This will give retailers time to comply with the law's labeling requirements without unduly disrupting current inventory. All garments purchased by retailers on or after March 18, 2011, will be immediately subject to the improved labeling requirements.
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