[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Federal Trade Commission Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


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Part LVIII





Federal Trade Commission





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 23010]]



FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)                                         


  



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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

16 CFR Ch. I

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: The following agenda of Commission proceedings is published in 
accordance with section 22(d)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 
15 U.S.C. 57b-3(d)(1), and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq., as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996, title II of Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 847. 
The Commission's agenda observes guidelines and procedures issued 
January 7, 1998, by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance 
with the provisions of President Clinton's Executive Order No. 12866 
``Regulatory Planning and Review'' of September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51735; 
October 4, 1993).

    The Commission is currently conducting a Regulatory Flexibility 
Act section 610 review of the rules and regulations under the Hobby 
Protection Act. It is also conducting a review of the 900-Number 
Rule required by the rule itself. Most of the other reviews listed 
on the following agenda are being conducted as part of the 
Commission's 10-year plan, begun in 1992, to review and seek 
information about all of its regulations and guides, including 
their costs and benefits, and regulatory and economic impact, every 
10 years. These reviews incorporate and expand upon the review 
required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Commission's 10-
year program is also consistent with the President's March 4, 1995, 
Regulatory Reform Initiative, directing agencies to conduct a 
review of all regulations and eliminate or revise those that are 
outdated or otherwise in need of reform.

    Except for notice of completed actions, the information in this 
agenda represents the judgment of Commission staff based upon 
information now available. Each projected date of action reflects 
an assessment by the FTC staff of the likelihood that the specified 
event will occur during the coming year. No final determination by 
the staff or the Commission respecting the need for or the 
substance of a trade regulation rule or any other procedural option 
should be inferred from the notation of projected events in this 
agenda. In most instances, the dates of future events are listed by 
month, not by a specific day. The acquisition of new information, 
changes of circumstances, or changes in the law may alter this 
information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about specific 
regulatory actions listed in the agenda, contact the contact person 
listed for each particular proceeding. Comments or inquiries of a 
general nature about the agenda should be directed to Elaine W. 
Crockett, Staff Attorney, Federal Trade Commission, 6th Street and 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580; telephone (202) 326-
2453; e-mail: [email protected].

By direction of the Commission.

Donald S. Clark,

Secretary.

                                               Proposed Rule Stage                                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4295         Premerger Notification Rules and Report Form.........................................    3084-AA23 
4296         Regulations Under the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986...    3084-AA48 
4297         The Care Labeling Rule...............................................................    3084-AA54 
4298         Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation.....    3084-AA60 
4299         Trade Regulation Rule on Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures...............    3084-AA63 
4300         Rule Governing Disclosure of Written Consumer Product Warranty Terms and Conditions..    3084-AA72 
4301         Rule Governing the Pre-Sale Availability of Written Warranty Terms...................    3084-AA73 
4302         Rule Governing Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures................................    3084-AA75 
4303         Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Use of Negative Option Plans by Sellers in                    
            Commerce..............................................................................    3084-AA76 
4304         Trade Regulation Rule Pursuant to the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act              
            of 1992...............................................................................    3084-AA78 
4305         Rules and Regulations Under the Hobby Protection Act (Section 610 Review)............    3084-AA79 
4306         Trade Regulation Rule on Ophthalmic Practice Rules...................................    3084-AA80 
4307         Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Power Output Claims for Amplifiers Utilized in Home               
            Entertainment Products................................................................    3084-AA81 
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                                                Long-Term Actions                                               
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                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
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4308         Amended Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act........................    3084-AA44 
4309         Regulatory Review....................................................................    3084-AA47 
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[[Page 23011]]


                                                Completed Actions                                               
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                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
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4310         Rules and Regulations Under the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939...................    3084-AA50 
4311         Rules and Regulations Under the Fur Products Labeling Act............................    3084-AA51 
4312         Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act............    3084-AA52 
4313         Deceptive Use of ``Leakproof,'' ``Guaranteed Leakproof,'' Etc., as Descriptive of Dry              
            Cell Batteries........................................................................    3084-AA77 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)                      Proposed Rule Stage


  



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4295. PREMERGER NOTIFICATION RULES AND REPORT FORM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 18a Clayton Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 801 to 803

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Premerger Notification Rules and the Antitrust 
Improvements Act Notification and Report Form were adopted pursuant to 
Section 7A of the Clayton Act. Section 7A requires firms of a certain 
size contemplating mergers or acquisitions of a specified size to file 
notification with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department 
of Justice (DOJ) and to wait a designated period before consummating 
the transaction. It also requires the FTC, with the concurrence of the 
Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, to promulgate rules requiring 
that notification be in a form and contain information necessary to 
enable the FTC and DOJ to determine whether the proposed acquisition 
may, if consummated, violate the antitrust laws. These rules are 
continually reviewed in order to improve the program's effectiveness 
and reduce the paperwork burden on the business community. The 
Commission proposed modifications to the Premerger Notification and 
Report form during fiscal year 1994. In March 1996, the Commission 
promulgated rules amending the Rule's treatment of acquisitions of 
goods or realty made in the ordinary course of business and adding new 
exemptions for acquisitions of realty and carbon-based mineral 
reserves. In addition, on August 9, 1995, the Commission published a 
final rule that removed 16 CFR part 800, the transitional rule 
addressing the treatment of acquisitions consummated before, and 
notification filed on or before September 5, 1978.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    09/30/81
NPRM - Ordinary Course          09/24/85                    50 FR 38742
NPRM - HSR Form Changes         06/14/94                    59 FR 30545
NPRM - Ordinary Course          07/28/95                    60 FR 38930
Part 800 Repealed               08/09/95                    60 FR 40704
Final Rule - Ordinary Course    03/28/96                    61 FR 13666
Final Rule Effective - Ordinary 
Course                          04/29/96
NPRM - HSR - Form Changes       04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Melea Epps, Staff Attorney, Pre-Merger Notification 
Office, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Competition, Washington, DC 
20580
Phone: 202 326-2705
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA23
_______________________________________________________________________




4296. REGULATIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SMOKELESS TOBACCO HEALTH 
EDUCATION ACT OF 1986

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 4401

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 307

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 
1986 requires health warnings on all packages and advertising for 
smokeless tobacco. The Commission published an NPR on February 14, 1995 
seeking public comment on whether the regulations governing the 
rotation schedule for utilitarian objects should be amended. The 
comment period expired on April 14, 1995. The Commission amended the 
smokeless tobacco regulations to permit rotation of the mandated health 
warnings on utilitarian items and promotional materials based on either 
the date the item or material is ordered from a supplier or the date it 
is disseminated to the public, provided the production of such items is 
carried out in a manner consistent with ordinary business practices. On 
a separate point, the Coalition on Smoking or Health petitioned the 
Commission to enforce the Smokeless Tobacco Act by requiring smokeless 
tobacco health warnings on sponsored racing cars, banners, flags, and 
other related objects bearing smokeless tobacco product brand names, 
logos, or selling messages. On October 26, 1993, the Commission issued 
an NPR and proposed a requirement that sponsored auto racing vehicles 
and all other event-related objects that bear the brand name or selling 
message of smokeless tobacco products display health warning labels. 
Staff is reviewing the impact of the final Food and Drug Administration 
Rule on tobacco products and the State Attorneys' General omnibus 
settlement as applicable to event and team sponsorship.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM (Promotional Items)        01/15/93                     54 FR 4875
NPRM (Racing Cars)              11/04/93                    58 FR 58810
Comment Period End (Racing Cars)02/01/94
NPRM (Utilitarian Items)        02/14/95                     60 FR 8312
Comment Period End (Utilitarian 
Items)                          04/14/95

[[Page 23012]]

Final Staff Recommendation 
(Promotional Items)             05/17/96
Final Staff Recommendations 
(Utilitarian Items)             05/17/96
Final Action (Promotional Items)08/30/96                    61 FR 45883
Final Action (Utilitarian Items)08/30/96                    61 FR 45883
Final Staff Recommendation 
(Racing Cars)                   12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rosemary Rosso, Division of Advertising Practices, 
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 
20580
Phone: 202 326-2174
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA48
_______________________________________________________________________




4297. THE CARE LABELING RULE

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 423

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers 
of textile wearing apparel to attach cleaning instructions stating what 
regular care is needed for the ordinary use of the product. If dry 
cleaning is recommended, the label must state at least one type of 
solvent that may be used (unless all commercially available types of 
solvent can be used), and must contain a warning against the use of any 
part of the normal dry cleaning procedure that would harm the product. 
The Rule also requires that the manufacturer or importer possess, prior 
to sale, a reasonable basis for the care instructions. The Rule 
currently requires that care instructions be stated in ``appropriate 
terms.'' It also states that ``any appropriate symbols may be used on 
care labels or care instructions, in addition to the required 
appropriate terms so long as the terms fulfill the requirements of this 
regulation.'' Although the Rule does not specifically state that the 
instructions must be in English, they usually are. On February 6, 1997, 
the Commission granted a Conditional Exemption with request for public 
comments. The Conditional Exemption, which became effective on July 1, 
1997, allows the use of the symbol system developed by the American 
Society for Testing and Materials on care labels. The symbols, which 
show consumers how to safely launder or clean their clothing, will be 
permitted on care labels so long as the manufacturers include with the 
garments a written explanation of what the symbols mean for the first 
18 months they are in use. In granting the industry permission to use 
symbols on care labels instead of written words, the FTC pledged to 
coordinate a national campaign to help consumers in the transition to 
symbols by making sure they have easy access to additional descriptive 
information regarding how to care for their clothing. In addition, the 
Commission is conducting a substantive review of the Rule's 
requirements. An ANPR relating to possible substantive changes in 
connection with methods of cleaning that can or should be listed on the 
care label, reasonable basis requirements, and definitions of water 
temperatures was published on December 28, 1995.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Reg Review                06/15/94                    59 FR 30733
Comment Period End              10/15/94
Recommendation to Commission    10/17/95
Request for Comment/ Exemption  11/16/95                    60 FR 57552
ANPRM                           12/28/95                    60 FR 67102
Comment Period End/Exemption    01/31/96
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/13/96
Recommendation to Commission/ 
Exemption                       11/15/96
Interim Conditional Exemption   02/06/97                     62 FR 5724
Comment Period End              03/10/97
Final Conditional Exemption     05/29/97                    62 FR 29006
Recommendation to Commission/
NPRM                            01/23/98
NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Constance Vecellio, Care Labeling Rule Coordinator, 
Division of Enforcement, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-2966
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________




4298. TRADE REGULATION RULE CONCERNING THE LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF 
HOME INSULATION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 460

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Trade Commission's Trade Regulation Rule 
Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation (``R-Value 
Rule'') became effective on September 29, 1980. The Rule is designed to 
assist consumers in evaluating and comparing the thermal performance 
characteristics of competing home insulation products. Specifically, 
the Rule requires manufacturers of home insulation products to provide 
information about the product's degree of resistance to the flow of 
heat (R-Value). The Rule also establishes uniform standards for 
testing, information disclosure and substantiation of product 
performance claims. As part of its systematic review of all current 
Commission rules and guides, the Commission requested comments on, 
among other things, the economic impact of, and the continuing need 
for, this Rule, possible conflicts between the Rule and state, local 
and other federal laws, and the effect on the Rule of any 
technological, economic, or other industry changes. At the same time, 
in response to a petition, the Commission proposed adopting a non-
substantive amendment to the Rule that would allow, but not require, 
the use of an additional (fifth) test procedure for measuring R-value, 
and solicited comments on the proposed amendment. The Commission is 
considering the comments in two parts. In part I, on March 28, 1996, 
the Commission reviewed the comments that addressed the current 
benefits, burdens and need for the Rule and determined to retain the 
Rule. The Commission also adopted non-substantive amendments that: (1) 
allow the optional use of the additional R-value test procedure; and 
(2) require use in the future of revised, current versions of other 
test procedures cited in the Rule. In part II, the Commission

[[Page 23013]]

will consider the comments recommending that the Commission adopt 
substantive revisions to the Rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            04/06/95                    60 FR 17492
Comment Period End              06/06/95
Commission Action/Part I        03/28/96                    61 FR 13659
Recommendation to Commission/
Part II                         04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kent C. Howerton, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of 
Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3013
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA60
_______________________________________________________________________




4299. TRADE REGULATION RULE ON FRANCHISING AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 
VENTURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 to 58

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 436

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Trade Commission's Trade Regulation Rule on 
Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures (Franchise Rule) became 
effective on October 21, 1979. The Rule is designed to reduce deceptive 
and unfair practices in the sale of franchises and business 
opportunities by requiring the pre-sale disclosure of material 
information about the franchise. For example, the Rule requires 
franchisors to disclose their business background and litigation 
history, as well as the number of failed and terminated franchise 
units. The Rule also requires the disclosure of material terms of the 
franchise relationship, such as recurring fees and termination and 
renewal rights. The Rule further requires the franchisor to provide an 
audited financial statement for the past three fiscal years. Finally, 
the Rule requires any franchisor who makes earnings representations to 
provide the prospective franchisee with an earnings claims document 
that substantiates those claims. As part of its systematic review of 
all current Commission rules and guides, the Commission requested 
comments about the overall costs and benefits of the Rule and what 
effects, if any, have changes in relevant technology, economic 
conditions, and industry practices had on the Rule. Two public 
workshops have been held, one on September 12, 1995, and the other on 
March 11, 1996. On February 28, 1997, the Commission published an 
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) contemplating amendments 
to the Rule. The Commission is interested in ensuring that the Rule 
addresses new technologies and market practices and at the same time 
reduces any unnecessary regulatory burden. Specifically, the Commission 
requested comments on whether to revise the Rule to more closely align 
federal and state disclosure requirements governing franchise sales, 
and to address changes in the marketing of franchises, such as the sale 
of franchises internationally and through the Internet. In the same 
ANPR, the Commission announced that it would hold six public workshops 
in five cities during 1997 to: promote discussions about the issues; 
allow the public to make statements on the record; and assist 
Commission staff in drafting a proposed amended Rule. The Commission 
extended the comment period to December 31, 1997. The ANPR procedure 
has been completed and staff is working on a recommendation to the 
Commission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            04/17/95                    60 FR 17656
Comment Period End              08/11/95
Public Workshop                 09/12/95                    60 FR 34485
Public Workshop                 03/11/96                     61 FR 5969
ANPRM                           02/28/97                     62 FR 9115
Comment Period End              12/31/97                    62 FR 28824
Recommendation to the Commission10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Steven Toporoff, Division of Marketing Practices, 
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 
20580
Phone: 202 326-3135
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA63
_______________________________________________________________________




4300. RULE GOVERNING DISCLOSURE OF WRITTEN CONSUMER PRODUCT WARRANTY 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 701

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rule Governing the Disclosure of Written Consumer Product 
Warranty Terms and Conditions (Rule 701) establishes requirements for 
warrantor for disclosing the terms and conditions of written warranties 
on consumer products actually costing the consumer more than $15.00. 
Rule 701 specifies the information that must appear in the written 
warranty, as well as the exact language that must be used for certain 
items. Under Rule 701, the information must be disclosed in simple, 
easily understood, and concise language in a single document. In 
addition to specifying the information that must appear in a written 
warranty, Rule 701 also requires that, in instances where the warrantor 
uses a warranty registration or owner registration card, the warranty 
must disclose whether that registration card is a condition precedent 
to warranty coverage. Finally, it provides that, in connection with 
``seal of approval'' programs, the disclosures do not have to be given 
in the actual seal itself, if they are made in a general circulation 
publication. As part of its systematic review of all current Commission 
regulations and guides, the Commission requested comments on, among 
other things, the economic impact of, and the continuing need for the 
Rule, possible conflict between the Rule and state, local, and other 
Federal laws, and the effect on the Rule of any technological, 
economic, or other industry changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    04/03/96                    61 FR 14688
Comment Period End              06/03/96
Recommendation to Commission    09/00/98
Final Commission Action         12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carole I. Danielson, Division of Marketing Practices, 
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 
20580

[[Page 23014]]

Phone: 202 326-3115
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA72
_______________________________________________________________________




4301. RULE GOVERNING THE PRE-SALE AVAILABILITY OF WRITTEN WARRANTY TERMS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 702

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rule Governing the Pre-Sale Availability of Written 
Warranty Terms, 16 CFR Part 702 (Rule 702) published as a final rule in 
1975 and amended in 1987, will be reviewed this year under the 
Commission's procedures. Section 102(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson- Moss 
Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. 2301 et seq., directed the Commission to 
prescribe rules requiring that the terms of any written warranty on a 
consumer product be made available to the prospective purchaser prior 
to the sale of the product. Accordingly, the Commission issued Rule 
702, which establishes requirements for sellers and warrantors for 
making the terms of a written warranty available to the consumer prior 
to sale. Among other things, the Rule requires sellers to make warranty 
information readily available by either (1) displaying it in close 
proximity to the product or furnishing it on request and posting signs 
in prominent locations advising consumers that warranty information is 
available. The Rule requires warrantors to provide materials to enable 
sellers to comply with the Rule's requirements. It also sets out the 
methods by which warranty information can be made available prior to 
the sale of the product in instances where the product is sold through 
catalogs, mail order,or door-to-door sales. As part of its systematic 
review of all current Commission regulations and guides, the Commission 
has determined, as part of its oversight responsibilities, to review 
trade regulation rules at least once every ten years. The review seeks 
comments on, among other things, the economic impact of, and the 
continuing need for the Commission's rules, possible conflict between 
the rules and state, local, and other federal laws and the effect on 
the rules of any technological, economic, or other industry changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    04/03/96                    61 FR 14688
Comment Period End              06/03/96
Recommendation to Commission    09/00/98
Final Commission Action         12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carole I. Danielson, Division of Marketing Practices, 
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 
20580
Phone: 202 326-3115
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA73
_______________________________________________________________________




4302. RULE GOVERNING INFORMAL DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 703

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rule Governing Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures 
(Rule 703) establishes minimum requirements for those informal 
settlement mechanisms (``IDSM'') that are incorporated by the warrantor 
into its consumer product warranty. By incorporating the IDSM into the 
warranty, the warrantor requires the consumer to use the IDSM before 
pursuing any legal remedies in court. Among other things, the Rule sets 
out the member qualifications, general operating procedures, and 
recordkeeping requirements of such IDSMs. The Rule also prescribes the 
duties of the warrantor in making consumers aware of the IDSM and how 
to use it, as well as the warrantor's duties to comply with the IDSM's 
requests and decisions. The Rule also requires IDSMs that operate under 
Rule 703 to submit annual audits to the Federal Trade Commission to 
determine their compliance with the Rule. As part of its systematic 
review of all current Commission regulations and guides, the Commission 
has requested comments on, among other things, the economic impact of, 
and the continuing need for, the Rule; whether there are changes that 
might be made to the Rule that would increase consumer benefits or 
which might minimize cost to firms subject to its requirements; the 
degree to which it may conflict with other State, local, and other 
Federal laws; and the effect on the rules of any technological, 
economic, or other industry changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    01/01/97
Request for Comments            04/02/97                    62 FR 15636
Comment Period Extended         06/13/97                    62 FR 32338
Comment Period End              08/01/97
Recommendation to Commission    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carole I. Danielson, Division of Marketing Practices, 
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 
20580
Phone: 202 326-3115
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________




4303. TRADE REGULATION RULE CONCERNING THE USE OF NEGATIVE OPTION PLANS 
BY SELLERS IN COMMERCE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 425

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Use of Negative 
Option Plans by Sellers in Commerce (``Negative Option Rule'') governs 
a type of selling technique known as a negative option plan. Under such 
a plan, a seller and a subscriber enter into a contractual agreement 
whereby the seller will periodically sell merchandise to the subscriber 
by shipping merchandise to the subscriber even though the subscriber 
has not affirmatively ordered the merchandise. The Negative Option Rule 
requires sellers who use prenotification negative option plans to 
disclose the material terms of the plans clearly and conspicuously in 
their promotional materials. The Rule requires, in part, that the 
seller send to the subscriber an announcement, which identifies the 
merchandise the seller intends to send to the subscriber. The seller 
will then send the merchandise and bill the subscriber for it, unless 
the subscriber instructs the seller by a certain date not to send the 
merchandise. A negative

[[Page 23015]]

option plan will often require a subscriber to purchase a minimum 
quantity of merchandise, after which the subscriber may cancel his 
membership. As part of its systematic review of all current Commission 
rules and guides, the Commission requested comments on, among other 
things, the economic impact of, and the continuing need for, this Rule, 
possible conflict between the Rule and state, local and other federal 
laws, and the effect on the Rule of any technological, economic, or 
other industry changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            03/31/97                    62 FR 15135
Comment Period End              06/02/97
Recommendation to Commission    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Edwin Rodriguez, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of 
Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3147
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA76
_______________________________________________________________________




4304. TRADE REGULATION RULE PURSUANT TO THE TELEPHONE DISCLOSURE AND 
DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT OF 1992

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 5701 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 308

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Congress enacted the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute 
Resolution Act of 1992 (``TDDRA'') to curtail certain unfair and 
deceptive practices perpetrated by some pay-per-call businesses, and to 
encourage the growth of the legitimate pay-per-call industry. TDDRA 
granted the Commission limited jurisdiction over common carriers for 
purposes of the 900-Number Rule, which became effective November 1, 
1993. The Rule requires that advertisements for 900-Numbers contain 
certain disclosures; that anyone who calls a 900-Number service be 
given the opportunity to hang up at the conclusion of the preamble 
without incurring any charge for the call; and establishes procedures 
for resolving billing disputes for 900-Number calls. Under the terms of 
the Rule itself, a review of the Rule is required to be initiated by 
the Commission prior to November 1997. As part of this review, the 
Commission published a notice in the Federal Register on March 12, 
1997, requesting comments on, among other things, the economic impact 
of, and the continuing need for, the 900-Number Rule and the effect on 
the Rule of any technological or industry changes. The Commission also 
sought comments, pursuant to authority granted under the 
Telecommunications Act of 1996, on whether to expand the Rule to govern 
other similar audio information and entertainment services. Staff held 
a workshop-conference on June 19-20, 1997, during which members of the 
industry discussed issues raised in the comments, including billing and 
collection issues and possible ways to expand the definition of ``pay-
per-call services.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            03/12/97                    62 FR 11750
Comment Period End              05/12/97
Public Workshop                 06/19/97
Public Workshop                 06/20/97
Staff Recommendation to 
Commission                      12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Adam Cohn, Division of Marketing Practices, Bureau of 
Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3411
Email: [email protected]
  
Carole Danielson, Division of Marketing Practices, Bureau of Consumer 
Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3115
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA78
_______________________________________________________________________




4305. RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE HOBBY PROTECTION ACT (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 304

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rules and Regulations under the Hobby Protection Act 
require that all imitation numismatic and imitation political items 
sold in, or imported into, the United States be marked with the word 
``Copy'' or the year of manufacture. An amendment to the Rule in 1988 
permits manufacturers of miniature numismatic items to mark the word 
``Copy'' in smaller dimensions than those required under the previous 
Rule. The Commission determined, at that time, that the amendment would 
facilitate compliance with the Rule and eliminate potential costs, in 
both time and resources, to industry and the Commission from individual 
variance applications for miniature numismatic items. The Commission is 
conducting a review of this Rule under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
5 USC 601 et seq., as amended by the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. At the same time, and as part of its 
systematic review of all current Commission rules and guides, the 
Commission requested comments on, among other things, the economic 
impact of, and the continuing need for, this Rule, possible conflict 
between the Rule and state, local and other federal laws, and the 
effect on the Rule of any technological, economic, or other industry 
changes, with particular emphasis on the effect on small businesses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            03/25/97                    62 FR 14049
Comment Period End              05/27/97
Recommendation to Commission    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Easton, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of 
Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3029
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA79
_______________________________________________________________________




4306. TRADE REGULATION RULE ON OPHTHALMIC PRACTICE RULES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 456

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 23016]]

Abstract: The Trade Regulation Rule on Ophthalmic Practice Rules, also 
known as the ``Prescription Release Rule,'' provides that an 
optometrist or ophthalmologist must give to the patient a copy of the 
patient's eyeglass prescription immediately after the eye examination 
is completed at no extra cost. The Prescription Release Rule prohibits 
optometrists and ophthalmologists from conditioning the availability of 
an eye examination, as defined by the Rule, on a requirement that the 
patient agrees to purchase ophthalmic goods from the optometrist or 
ophthalmologist, and from placing on the prescription, or delivering to 
the patient, certain disclaimers or waivers of liability. An 
optometrist or ophthalmologist, however, may withhold the eyeglass 
prescription if the patient has not paid for the eye examination in 
full if the optometrist or ophthalmologist would have required 
immediate payment if the examination revealed that no ophthalmic goods, 
such as eyeglasses, were required. In addition, the Rule does not 
require an optometrist or ophthalmologist to release a contact lens 
prescription to a patient after an eye exam. As part of its systematic 
review of all current Commission rules and guides, the Commission 
requested comments on the economic impact of, and the continuing need 
for, this Rule, possible conflict between the Rule and state, local, or 
other federal laws, and the effect on the Rule of any technological, 
economic, or other industry changes. In response to a request from the 
National Association of Optometrists and Opticians, the Commission 
extended the comment period to September 2, 1997.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            04/03/97                    62 FR 15865
Notice of Comment Period 
Extension                       05/29/97                    62 FR 29088
Comment Period End              06/02/97
Comment Period End              09/02/97
Bureau Consideration of Staff 
Recommendations                 04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Denise Owens, Division of Service Industry Practices, 
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 
20580
Phone: 202 326-3277
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________




4307. TRADE REGULATION RULE CONCERNING POWER OUTPUT CLAIMS FOR 
AMPLIFIERS UTILIZED IN HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 432

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Power Output Claims for 
Amplifiers Utilized in Home Entertainment Products (``Amplifier Rule'' 
or ``Rule'') was promulgated in 1974 to assist consumers in purchasing 
power amplification equipment for home entertainment purposes by 
standardizing the measurement and disclosure of various performance 
characteristics of the equipment. The Amplifier Rule establishes 
uniform test standards and disclosures so that consumers can make more 
meaningful comparisons of performance attributes. The Rule makes it an 
unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice 
for manufacturers and sellers of sound power amplification equipment 
for home entertainment purposes to fail to disclose certain performance 
information in connection with direct or indirect representations of 
power output, power band, frequency or distortion characteristics. The 
Rule also sets out standard test conditions for performing the 
measurements that support the required performance disclosures. 
Further, the Rule prohibits representations of performance 
characteristics if they are not obtainable when the equipment is 
operated by the consumer in the usual and ordinary manner without the 
use of extraneous aids. As part of its systematic review of all current 
Commission rules and guides, the Commission requested comments on, 
among other things, the economic impact of, and the continuing need 
for, this Rule; possible conflict between the Rule and State, local and 
other Federal laws; and the effect on the Rule of any technological, 
economic, or other industry changes. In reviewing the Rule, the 
Commission also noted a tentative determination that the Rule applies 
to self-powered speakers for use with home computers and home sound 
systems, as well as other amplification equipment for home computers, 
but asked for comments on whether such products should be outside the 
Rule's scope. The Commission also requested comments on whether the 
Rule's provisions should be extended to automobile sound systems and 
whether existing testing and disclosure requirements need to be 
modified for use with automotive sound amplification.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            04/07/97                    62 FR 16500
Comment Period End              06/06/97
Recommendation to Commission    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Easton, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of 
Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3029
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA81

[[Page 23017]]

_______________________________________________________________________


FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)                        Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4308. AMENDED FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION IMPROVEMENT ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  12 USC 1811 et seq

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Carole Reynolds, Division of Credit Practices, Federal 
Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3230
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA44
_______________________________________________________________________




4309. REGULATORY REVIEW

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1 et seq

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commission is conducting a revolving ten-year review of 
current rules and guides to identify any that should be modified or 
rescinded. At the beginning of 1998, the Commission published a notice 
in the Federal Register listing the rules, guides, and exemption 
procedures to be reviewed during 1998. See 63 FR 1802 (January 12, 
1998). Early next year, the Commission will publish a list of 
additional rules and guides it will review in 1999. During 1998, the 
Commission will publish separate notices in the Federal Register for 
each rule or guide, soliciting comments about its costs and benefits 
and regulatory and economic impact. Where rulemaking timetables have 
been established for such items, they are included in this Agenda. 
However, no determination about whether to modify or rescind a rule, 
regulation, guide or interpretation or any other procedural option 
should be inferred from the Commission's decision to publish a request 
for comments. In certain instances, the reviews also will address other 
specific matters or issues, such as reviews mandated by the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Rule Review Continuing          00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kent Howerton, Division of Enforcement, Federal Trade 
Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3013
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________


FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)                        Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4310. RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE WOOL PRODUCTS LABELING ACT OF 1939

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 68 Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 (Wool Act) requires 
covered wool products to be marked with (1) the generic names and 
percentages by weight of the constituent fibers present in the wool 
product; (2) the name under which the manufacturer or another 
responsible USA company does business, or in lieu thereof, the 
registered identification number (RN) of such a company; and (3) the 
name of the country where the wool product was processed or 
manufactured. Pursuant to section 6(a) of the Wool Act, ``the 
Commission is authorized and directed to make rules and regulations for 
the manner and form of disclosing information required by this Act ... 
and to make such further rules and regulations under and in pursuance 
of the terms of this Act as may be necessary and proper for 
administration and enforcement.'' These implementing rules and 
regulations are set forth at 16 CFR 300. As part of its systematic 
review of all current Commission regulations and guides, the Commission 
requested comments on, among other things, the economic impact of and 
the continuing need for these rules, possible conflict between the 
rules and State, local and other federal laws, and the effect on the 
rules of any technological, economic, or other industry changes. 
Comments were also solicited on issues relating to the goal of 
harmonizing labeling requirements among North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA) countries. The Commission has amended the Rule by 
simplifying the requirements for placing information on labels by 
replacing detailed specifications with a performance standard - that 
the information be clear, conspicuous, and readily accessible to the 
purchaser; eliminating the disclosure ``Fiber Content on Reverse Side'' 
when the fiber is listed on the back of the label; eliminating the need 
to state the functional significance of a functionally significant 
named fiber present in an amount less than 5%; modifying the 
definitions of ``mail order catalog'' and ``invoice'' to include those 
disseminated electronically; adding a provision stating that RN numbers 
are subject to cancellation if the Commission is not notified of 
changes in name, address, or business status; and adding examples of 
country-of-origin disclosures to show how they can comply with both 
Customs and FTC regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Reg Review                05/06/94                    59 FR 23645
Extension of Comment Period     09/12/94                    59 FR 46778
Comment Period End              10/15/94
NPRM                            12/24/96                    61 FR 67739
Comment Period End              01/22/97
Recommendation to Commission    12/12/97
Final Action                    02/13/98                     63 FR 7505
Final Action Effective          03/16/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 23018]]

Agency Contact: Carol J. Jennings, Staff Attorney, Federal Trade 
Commission, Division of Enforcement, Washington, DC 20850
Phone: 202 326-3010
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA50
_______________________________________________________________________




4311. RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE FUR PRODUCTS LABELING ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 69 Fur Products Labeling Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 301

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Fur Products Labeling Act (Fur Act) requires covered furs 
and fur products to be labeled, invoiced, and advertised to show (1) 
the name(s) of the animal that produced the fur(s); (2) where such is 
the case, that the fur is used fur or contains used fur; (3) where such 
is the case, that the fur is bleached, dyed, or otherwise artificially 
colored; and (4) the name of the country of origin of any imported furs 
used in the fur product. Pursuant to section 8(b) of the Fur Act, ``The 
Commission is authorized and directed to prescribe rules and 
regulations governing the manner and form of disclosing information 
required by this Act and such further rules and regulations as may be 
necessary and proper for purposes of administration and enforcement of 
this Act.'' These implementing rules are set forth at 16 CFR 301. As 
part of its systematic review of all current Commission regulations and 
guides, the Commission requested comments on, among other things, the 
economic impact of, and the continuing need for, these rules, possible 
conflict between the rules and state, local and other federal laws, and 
the effect on the rules of any technological, economic, or other 
industry changes. The Commission also sought comments on issues 
relating to the goal of harmonizing labeling requirements among North 
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) countries. On February 13, 1998, 
the Commission amended the Rule by adding a provision stating that 
Registered Identification Numbers are subject to cancellation if the 
Commission is not notified of changes in name, address, or business 
status. The Commission also adopted an amendment to raise the cost/
selling price figure for exemption from the Rule from $20 to $150.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Reg Review                05/06/94                    59 FR 23645
Extension of Comment Period     09/12/94                    59 FR 46778
Comment Period End              10/15/94
NPRM                            12/24/96                    61 FR 67748
Comment Period End              01/22/97
Recommendations to Commission   12/12/97
Final Action                    02/13/98                     63 FR 7507
Final Action Effective          03/16/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carol J. Jennings, Staff Attorney, Federal Trade 
Commission, Division of Enforcement, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3010
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA51
_______________________________________________________________________




4312. RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE TEXTILE FIBER PRODUCTS 
IDENTIFICATION ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 70 Textile Fiber Products Identification Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 303

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (Textile Act) 
requires wearing apparel and other covered household textile articles 
to be marked with (1) the generic names and percentages by weight of 
the constituent fibers present in the textile fiber product; (2) the 
name under which the manufacturer or another responsible USA company 
does business, or in lieu thereof, the registered identification number 
(RN) of such a company; and (3) the name of the country where the 
textile product was processed or manufactured. Pursuant to section 7(c) 
of the Textile Act, ``the Commission is authorized and directed to make 
such rules and regulations, including the establishment of generic 
names of manufactured fibers, under and in pursuance of the terms of 
this Act as may be necessary and proper for administration and 
enforcement.'' These implementing rules are set forth at 16 CFR 303. As 
part of its systematic review of all current Commission regulations and 
guides, the Commission requested comments on, among other things, the 
economic impact of, and the continuing need for, these rules, possible 
conflict between the rules and State, local and other Federal laws, and 
the effect on the rules of any technological, economic, or other 
industry changes. The Commission also sought comments on issues aimed 
at streamlining existing regulations and promoting harmonization of 
textile labeling requirements among the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA) countries. The Commission amended the Rule to 
simplify the requirements for placing information on labels by 
replacing detailed specifications with a performance standard - that 
the information be clear, conspicuous, and readily accessible to the 
purchaser; eliminating the need to state the functional significance of 
a functionally significant named fiber in an amount less than 5%; 
incorporating by reference the ISO standard for manufactured fibers; 
modifying the definitions of ``mail order catalog'' and ``invoice'' to 
include those electronically disseminated: adding a provision stating 
that RN numbers are subject to cancellation if the Commission is not 
notified of changes in name, address, or business status; and adding 
examples of country-of-origin disclosures to show how they can comply 
with both Customs and FTC regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Reg Review                05/06/94                    59 FR 23646
Extension of Comment Period     09/12/94                    59 FR 46779
Comment Period End              10/15/94
Recommendation to Commission    12/15/95
NPRM                            02/12/96                     61 FR 5340
NPRM Comment Period End         05/13/96
Recommendation to Commission    12/12/97

[[Page 23019]]

Final Action                    02/13/98                     63 FR 7507
Final Action Effective          03/16/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carol J. Jennings, Staff Attorney, Federal Trade 
Commission, Division of Enforcement, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3010
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________




4313. DECEPTIVE USE OF ``LEAKPROOF,'' ``GUARANTEED LEAKPROOF,'' ETC., AS 
DESCRIPTIVE OF DRY CELL BATTERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 41 et seq

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 403

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On May 20, 1964, the Commission promulgated as a trade 
regulation rule its determination that in connection with the sale of 
dry cell batteries in commerce, the use of the word ``leakproof,'' the 
term ``guaranteed leakproof,'' or any other word or term of similar 
import, or any abbreviation thereof, in advertising, labeling, marking 
or otherwise, as descriptive of dry cell batteries, constitutes an 
unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice 
in violation of section 5 of the FTC Act. The Dry Cell Battery Rule 
does not prohibit manufacturers or marketers from offering or 
furnishing guarantees that provide for restitution in the event of 
damage from battery leakage, provided no representation is made, 
directly or indirectly, that dry cell batteries will not leak. The Rule 
further provides that in the event any person develops a new dry cell 
battery that he believes is in fact leakproof, he may apply to the 
Commission for an amendment to the Rule, or other appropriate relief. 
As part of its systematic review of all current Commission rules and 
guides, the Commission requested comments on, among other things, the 
economic impact of, and the continuing need for, this Rule, possible 
conflict between the Rule and state, local and other federal laws, and 
the effect on the Rule of any technological, economic, or other 
industry changes. The one comment received supported repeal of the 
Rule, indicating that it effectively has been superseded in the 
marketplace by the American National Standards Institute Standard 
C18.1M-1992 Dry Cells and Batteries - Specifications. Based on the 
foregoing, the Commission decided to initiate a rulemaking proceeding 
to repeal the Dry Cell Battery Rule, and requested further comments on 
the proposed repeal of the Rule. The Commission received no further 
comments. Based on the rulemaking record, changes in industry practice, 
and general voluntary compliance by the industry with the requirements 
of the American National Standards Institute standard for dry cell 
batteries, which has provisions similar to the Rule's, the Commission 
repealed the Rule concluding that it was no longer necessary or in the 
public interest.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Comments            03/25/97                    62 FR 14050
Comment Period End              04/24/97
NPRM Recommendation to 
Commission                      06/27/97
Commission Action               07/09/97
NPRM                            08/19/97                    62 FR 44099
NPRM Comment Period End         09/18/97
Final Action                    11/17/97                    62 FR 61225
Final Action Effective          11/17/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Neil Blickman, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of 
Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202 326-3038
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3084-AA77
[FR Doc. 98-7571 Filed 04-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-F