FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning Tom Campbell--P894219
Congress of the
United States JULY 17, 1997 Robert Pitofsky RE:Proposed Guides for the use of U.S. origin claims. Dear Chairman Pitofsky: It has come to my attention from a constituent of mine that the FTC is planning to change the definition of “Made in the USA” to one that would allow products with 25% more foreign content. My constituent, as well as several Members of Congress, have expressed concerns with the new FTC standards claiming that they may insert loopholes into the traditional standard of the “Made in the USA” label. It is claimed, furthermore, that these standards could allow foreign labor costs to equal up to 25% of the cost of a “Made in the USA” products, and in some cases, allow products mad entirely from foreign materials to bear the “Made in the USA” label. It is my constituent’s claim that companies which have previously earned the “Made in the USA” label may be tempted to send as much of their workforce overseas and still claim the “Made in the USA” status if these standards are put into effect. Please find enclosed a recent USA Today editorial about this issue. Any clarification of these concerns, or any FTC action as a result of the current public comment period would be most appreciated. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, Tom CampbellTom Campbell TC:jcd |