US Federal Trade Commission to expand the coverage of lighting Related tags

         Recently, the US Federal Trade Commission (FederalTradeCommission, abbreviation FTC) announced energy efficiency labeling rules section of the final changes to the program. There are about lighting: US Federal Trade Commission has expanded the coverage of LightingFacts labels, including some of the decorative lights and special light bulbs. It is reported that the notice has completed its review of the Commission's recent regulatory energy efficiency labeling rules. Rules on the date of publication within 30 days to take effect.

 Because many bulb packaging market is getting smaller, the revised rules to solve how to display in a compact format lighting factual information problems. The manufacturer should be noted that, if your product on the inside cover energy efficiency labeling rules, the US Federal Trade Commission has taken action, you must follow, otherwise, will be subject to legal sanctions.

 The Federal Trade Commission is to perform a variety of antitrust and consumer protection laws and federal agencies. The aim is to ensure that national market behavior competitive, and prosperous, efficient development, without unreasonable constraints. FTC also by eliminating irrational and deceptive regulations or regulations to ensure and promote the smooth operation of the market. Under the FTC, the companies may not engage in deceptive activities; once the company was found in breach of the Commission, it is entitled to impose hefty fines on violators. The famous case has Google violate privacy was sent $ 22.5 million, the world's largest generic drug manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals in Israel due to hinder generic competition fined $ 1.2 billion, the survey Volkswagen false marketing ......

First, the product coverage:

 Final rules covering the type of bulb wattage and light output similar to the general service lamp. In particular, the final rule defines "special light" is:

 (1) wattage of 30W-199W or 310-2600 lumens;

 (2) has a medium screw caps, candlestick lamp, GU-10, GU-24 lamp cap or;

 (3) does not meet the "general service lamp" definition;

 (4) can at least work at 110V and 130V.

 30 watts and 310 lumens threshold is defined by the Congress and the EPCA agreement as "general service lamp" baseline. Finally, the original rules cover the special light bulbs look and operate like a traditional incandescent bulbs, are not limited to, such as vibration service lamps, use lamps, electrical lamps, as well as anti-broken light (including crushing and breaking protection protective lamp lights) under harsh conditions

Second, the exemption:

 The final rule does not provide a lot of information excluded to consumers identified. These were eventually exempted products include: Intermediate screw lights, grow lights, black lights, insect lamps, color light, infrared light, left hand thread lights, marine lighting, marine signal service lamp, mine service lamps, signs service lights, Bowl lights, window lights, traffic lights accident, having a diameter of 5 inches or more G type lamp, and C7, M-14, P, RP, S, and T-shaped lamp. These bulbs for general service lamp covers current label no significant contribution.

Third, the packaging size:

 Consider the current rules require only a simple double-sided packaging paper packaging for some special lamp is not applicable, FTC allows manufacturers to use smaller, simpler labels to meet the special light bulb packaging requirements. Only a small label disclosure lumens, energy and life information, without identification of wattage and color appearance. But small labels can not be used in some professional large bulbs, so they reference the original labeling requirements of general service lamp.

 For small special light bulbs, the rules also include a small front label can not display a blister, because of its size can not clearly show the label, you can Remarks "refer back of LightingFacts" and show all LightingFacts label information in the back of the package.

Fourth, the product label:

 The new rules increased the number of bulb labeling requirements, such as general service lamp lumens and Mercury logo. For B, BA, F and G- type of decorative lights, the new rules allow the lumen without labeling information on the bulb, but must retain the mercury identified in order to ensure appropriate consumer information through these clean-up recovery.

Five test report:

 The final rule does not change the existing test procedures and reporting requirements regulations. Under current regulations, the manufacturer (or its own brand) must use the appropriate DOE test procedures. For special bulb is not applicable procedural rules require manufacturers to show the authenticity of the product information through reliable scientific testing methods and procedures. As commented, manufacturers can use the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) published series of test methods, or lumens information industry standard test products. FTC expectations, manufacturers can be based on a new label amendment requires continued use of IES test lamp. Therefore, FTC sees no need to change the rules IES test requirements, DOE test procedure can be expanded to cover more products. Do not use this art recognized and versatile professional and reliable testing methods, the manufacturer enforcement actions may be subject to FTC deceptive claims.

Six, not covered products:

 For the rule is not related to the bulb (eg, rated power less than 30 watts, less than 310 consumer lumens lamp), allowing the amendment, but not mandatory LightingFactsLabel manufacturers use. However, all voluntary use LightingFactsLabel must follow the rules of the content and format requirements to ensure consistency of the product label. Regardless of manufacturer LightingFactsLabel whether, if the manufacturer is no reliable scientific evidence that their products, the Federal Trade Commission Act will start against fraudulent claims for retrospective program.

Seven Watt Equivalent statement:

 For dealing with issues of equivalent claims, FTC earlier notice no change in the mentoring program (75FR41696,41701 (2010 . 7 .19 )). In essence, in order to avoid fraud, manufacturers must ensure that they are able to prove their equivalence wattage. Considering not only the brightness, but also factors other materials, such as color. Meanwhile, Energy Star provides an important benchmark equivalent wattage. Indeed, manufacturers can refer Energy Star wattage equivalent benchmarks based on their own circumstances, while providing a reliable test basis to prove the product, in order to avoid fraud.

Eight color appearance Disclosure:

 FTC is not recommended to change the current appearance of the monochromatic color coordinates indicated. For suggested that manufacturers are using color packaging, the color version is more likely to display recommendations color appearance. Since it is unclear whether all manufacturers use full-color printing, and color labels whether to provide significant benefits? Therefore, FTC reluctant to assume additional burdens marginal benefit of these possibilities generated. However, if the manufacturers to provide information is true and reliable, FTC does not prohibit them from using the color coordinates.

IX compliance period:

 For the new range of light bulb manufacturer, the final rules provide two-year grace period for manufacturers. FTC believes a two-year grace period is more appropriate, because of changes in packaging design changes tend to be more complex than the label, or changes in the market (for example, a new DOE standards) regulation is not about to happen for two years will be more abundant and appropriate . However, manufacturers have to update the labeling requirements before the deadline. Including other labeling requirements, online retailers must post new LightingFacts label. In order to maintain consistency with the actual online retail sales, online product updates allow product information (of two and a half) after wrapping deadline ended within six months. www.luxledchina.com