FTC Lamp Labeling Requirements

Hampton NewsomeU.S. Federal Trade Commission

FTC protects consumers by ... ... combating telemarketing fraud, Internet

scams, deceptive advertising, and other harmful business practices.

Disclaimer –The views expressed in this presentation are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Commission, or of any individual Commissioner

Lamp Labeling

FTC’s Labeling Rules(16 CFR Part 305)

Current (Old) Lamp Disclosures

New Lamp Labels (2011)

New Lamp Labels (2011)

CFLs

Covered Lamp Products

FTC “Lighting Facts” - Medium Base General Service Incandescent, Compact Fluorescent, and LED Lamps

Substantiation

Must use existing DOE test procedures where applicable

If no DOE test procedure exists, must have competent and reliable scientific evidence

Rule also identifies “safe harbor” tests (IES procedures)

16 CFR 305.5

Additional Requirements

Lumens (& mercury) on bulb itself Rules for cost and life-related

advertising claims on the package Disclosures on websites

Compliance and Consumer Ed

Downloadable artwork for the labels at the FTC website: www.ftc.gov/energy

FTC staff is working on consumer education activities

Enforcement

Civil penalties ($110 per violation) (16 CFR 1.98 & 305.4)

Injunctive relief (42 U.S.C. 6304) Citizen suit provision (42 U.S.C. 6305) Recent lawsuit (FTC v Lights of

America, Inc.) – alleges deceptive light output and life claims for LED products

Green Claims

Proposed amendments to Green Guides announced October 6, 2010

Broad green claims nearly impossible to substantiate

Qualify certification claims

Hampton NewsomeU.S. Federal Trade Commission

www.ftc.gov/energyhnewsome@ftc.gov

202-326-2889