The Fur Products Labeling Act is a federal law applicable to products that are made entirely or partly of fur. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules supplement the Act and have the force and effect of federal law.

General Requirements

Under the Act and the FTC's rules:

(1) a fur product must have a label disclosing certain information about the product;

(2) certain information must be disclosed on invoices and in advertising for fur products; and

(3) manufacturers and dealers of fur products must keep certain records.

Enforcement and Violations

A violation of the Act or the FTC's rules is considered an unfair method of competition and an unfair and deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC may issue an administrative order prohibiting the conduct that violates the Act. Violators of an administrative order are subject to monetary civil penalties of up to $ 11,000 for each violation. Each instance of mislabeling is considered a separate violation.

Criminal proceedings may be brought against willful violators of the Act.

The U.S. Customs Service may impose marking duties, liquidated damages, or seize improperly labeled imported items.

Sellers may protect themselves by asking their U.S. supplier of fur products for a guaranty of compliance with the Act and the FTC's rules. Continuing guaranties of compliance may be filed with the FTC.

Copyright 2010 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.