Bill > HR5226

This bill addresses the practice of "deceptive downsizing" by consumer product manufacturers, which involves reducing product size while maintaining similar packaging, potentially misleading consumers. The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create regulations prohibiting this practice, defining "deceptive downsizing" as selling a product of reduced size using packaging nearly identical to previous larger-sized versions. Manufacturers would be prohibited from selling consumer products in reduced sizes using the same packaging without clear, conspicuous notice on the principal display panel that explicitly states the previous and current product sizes. The bill recognizes that such practices harm consumers by reducing purchasing power, driving inflation, and making it difficult for consumers to recognize size changes before purchase. A "safe harbor" provision allows manufacturers to avoid liability if they provide clear, readable notices about size reductions. The bill empowers the FTC to enforce these regulations through existing mechanisms in the Federal Trade Commission Act, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices and subjecting violators to corresponding penalties. Ultimately, the legislation aims to increase transparency in product sizing and protect consumers from potentially misleading marketing practices.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5226/all-info