Federal Trade Commission Received Documents May 22, 1996 P894219 B18354900157 TOMPKINS Tompkins Brothers Company, Inc. May 17, 1996 623 Oneida Street Syracuse, New York 13202-3494 Telephone: (315) 475-9925 Telex: 937349, Fax: (315) 475-5733 Mr. Robert Pitofsky, Chairman C/O Federal Trade Commission Pennsylvania Avenue At 6th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20580 Dear Mr. Pitofsky, I recently read the Washington (AP) article in regard to the dilemma that the FTC is in regarding advertising claims regarding what "Made in America" means. It seems a relatively simple matter to just state the truth! Most consumers do care a great deal about the origin of the products they buy! It seems that the point you made in the article is really not the issue! Consumers truly may have their expectations disappointed by finding out that the product they buy are not made in America, but most of us feel it is not your responsibility to establish policy to influence expectations! If American businesses must use foreign parts, such as the examples you give of shoe and bicycle makers, then why lie and say they are made in America, when they are not! Very Truly Yours, William E. Savage President WES/Icr CC: Honorable Congressman James C. Walsh Honorable Senator Daniel P. Moynihan Honorable Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato WHAT'S MADE IN AMERICA' The Federal Trade Commission begins an effort to resolve the issue. Washington (AP) - Advertising claims that a product was "Made in America" mean: a) the product was put together in the United States using domestic parts; b) it was assembled here using domestic parts; c) it was made here from a combination of foreign and domestic components It's not a trick question, but a serious one the Federal Trade Commission began to grapple with Tuesday as it convened a two-day workshop on "Made in America" claims and the importance consumers attach them. Many consumers care a great deal about the origin of products they buy," FTC chairman Robert Pitofsky said. "We also recognized that they're entitled not to have their expectations disappointed by buying products not made in America. The Commission is trying to decide whether its standard for these claims still makes sense, given the vast changes in manufacturing and the globalization of the U.S. economy. A final decision is months away. The FTC's standard says "all or virtually all" of the components of products advertised as America - Made must be of U.S. origin. But the consumer protection agency has been criticized by industry because it has never defined the standard, choosing to do so on a case-by-case basis. Data presented to the more than 50 consumer, government and industry representatives at the hearing showed that the claims often confuse consumers. Labor unions and a group of state attorneys general, want the FTC to keep the "all or virtually all" standard. Unions say that standard will save jobs. But a too high standard will hurt businesses that must use foreign parts, such as shoe and bicycle makers, who often cannot find U.S. components.