Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Online Act on May 13, 2020. The bill, S. 3707, would require products sold online to list their country of origin.
Products sold in stores must already carry country-of-origin markings, but online listings did not have to show that information. The bill would amend the FTC Act. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) were cosponsors.
What the bill would require
- The country of origin required by existing law must appear in a conspicuous place in the online product description.
- Listings must state the country where the seller is located, and where any parent company is located.
- Internet marketplaces would also be covered. A marketplace could avoid liability by showing it relied in good faith on the origin given in writing by the manufacturer, marketer or importer.
- False or deceptive claims of USA origin in labeling, advertising or online marketing would be unlawful. Claims would be judged against the FTC’s Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing, the Coalition for a Prosperous America, Wisconsin PIRG and U.S. PIRG backed the bill. It was referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
“Regardless of whether shopping online or in a store, Americans have a right to know whether the products they buy are being made right here in America, by American workers.”
Sen. Tammy Baldwin
FAQ
What is the bill number?
S. 3707 in the 116th Congress.
When was it introduced?
May 13, 2020.
What would online listings have to show?
The product’s country of origin and the country where the seller, and any parent company, is located.
Source & credit
Source: Office of Sen. Tammy Baldwin, May 13, 2020: press release.
Also: Bill text, S. 3707: GovInfo.