In committee
COOL Online Act
Online shoppers will see clear country-of-origin labels on product listings, along with the home country of the seller's business. Websites selling non-prescription drugs must also list the manufacturer's or distributor's name and business location. These requirements do not apply to used goods, most food items, or small sellers making under $20,000 in annual sales with fewer than 200 orders. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce the rules, though online retailers are shielded from penalties if they relied in good faith on incorrect supplier data and quickly fix any errors.
People affected—Not determinable from the text provided; while it impacts commercial online sellers, suppliers, and e-commerce consumers broadly, the text specifies no population totals.
Fiscal magnitude—Not determinable from the text provided; the bill authorizes agency enforcement under existing FTC authorities without specifying appropriations or fees.
Reach58provisional · pending reviewrigor: heuristic llm
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Online consumersGain clear, conspicuous online disclosures showing the country of origin and seller's home country for imported products, as well as manufacturer details for non-prescription drugs.
Who it burdens
- Online retailers and marketplace sellersMust conspicuously display the country of origin, the seller's principal country of business, and non-prescription drug manufacturer information on website product listings, facing FTC enforcement penalties for noncompliance.
- Product manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliersMust obtain and supply country-of-origin and seller/manufacturer information to retailers seeking to sell their products online.
- Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Department of AgricultureMust coordinate, enter into, and publish a joint Memorandum of Understanding within six months to guide consistent implementation of the online disclosure rules.