# 60 FR 27242: Trade Regulation Rule: Deceptive Advertising and Labeling as to Size of Tablecloths and Related Products > Federal · Regulations · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FR_PRORULE_95-12579 ## Section - **Citation:** 60 FR 27242 - **Heading:** Trade Regulation Rule: Deceptive Advertising and Labeling as to Size of Tablecloths and Related Products - **Jurisdiction:** Federal - **Kind:** Regulations - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** Federal Register / Vol. 60 / 60 FR 27242 ## Text FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 404 Trade Regulation Rule: Deceptive Advertising and Labeling as to Size of Tablecloths and Related Products AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') proposes to repeal its Trade Regulations Rule entitled ``Deceptive Advertising and Labeling as to Size of Tablecloths and Related Products (``Tablecloth Rule''), 16 CFR part 404. The proceeding will address whether the Tablecloth Rule should be repealed or remain in effect. The Commission is soliciting written comment, data and arguments concerning this proposal. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 22, 1995. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be identified as ``16 CFR Part 404'' and sent to Secretary, Federal Trade Commission, 6th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John A. Crowley, Esq., (202) 326-3280, Division of Service Industry Practices, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part A--Background Information This notice is published pursuant to Section 18 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 57a et seq., the provisions of part 1, subpart B of the Commission's rules of practice, 16 CFR 1.7, and 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. This authority permits the Commission to promulgate, modify and repeal trade regulation rules that define with specificity acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive in or affecting commerce within the meaning of section 5(a)(1) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1) . 57a et seq., the provisions of part 1, subpart B of the Commission's rules of practice, 16 CFR 1.7, and 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. This authority permits the Commission to promulgate, modify and repeal trade regulation rules that define with specificity acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive in or affecting commerce within the meaning of section 5(a)(1) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1). The Tablecloth Rule, promulgated by the Commission on August 5, 1964, declares that in connection with the sale or offering for sale of tablecloths and related products such as doilies, table mats, dresser scarves, place mats, table runners, napkins and tea sets, any representation of the cut size (that is, the dimensions of materials used in the construction of such products) constitutes an unfair method of competition and an unfair and deceptive act or practice unless: (a) ``Such `cut size' dimensions are accompanied by the words `cut size' ''; and (b) ``The `cut size' is accompanied by a clear and conspicuous disclosure of the dimensions of the finished products and by an explanation that such dimensions constitute the finished size.''. The Commission periodically reviews the rules and guides it has promulgated, seeking information about the costs and benefits of such rules and guides and their regulatory and economic impact. The information obtained assists the Commission in identifying rules and guides that warrant modification or rescission. Pursuant to its review schedule, on April 19, 1993, the Commission published in the Federal Register a request for public comments on the Tablecloth Rule. 58 FR 21124. The Commission asked commenters to address questions relating to the costs and benefits of the rule, the burdens it imposes, and the basis for assessing whether it should be retained, or amended. The Commission received only one comment specifically addressing this rule along with a general comment referring to several rules under review r public comments on the Tablecloth Rule. 58 FR 21124. The Commission asked commenters to address questions relating to the costs and benefits of the rule, the burdens it imposes, and the basis for assessing whether it should be retained, or amended. The Commission received only one comment specifically addressing this rule along with a general comment referring to several rules under review. The comment specific to this rule was submitted by a trade group representing the textile rental, linen supply, uniform rental, dust control and commercial laundry services industries. In its one- page comment letter, the association stated there is a continuing need for this rule. The commenter believes that the rule does not impose any additional costs or burdens on entities subject to the rule and that the rule raises the level of professionalism in the industry. In addition, one general comment, applicable to several rules being reviewed, was received from an advertising agency association. This organization recommends rescission of the Tablecloth Rule because the general prohibitions covering false and deceptive advertising apply to the industry and thus the rule creates unnecessary administrative costs for the government, industry members and consumers. The advertising association did not submit any analysis or data relating to the imposition of unnecessary administrative costs on affected industry members, government or consumers. Prior to the request for comments, Commission staff engaged in an informal review of industry practices by examining the marking of dimensions on tablecloths and other items subject to the rule available for retail sale at several national chain stores. This informal review revealed no instances of rule violations. In fact, it appeared from that limited review that industry products were marked with only the finished size ts, Commission staff engaged in an informal review of industry practices by examining the marking of dimensions on tablecloths and other items subject to the rule available for retail sale at several national chain stores. This informal review revealed no instances of rule violations. In fact, it appeared from that limited review that industry products were marked with only the finished size. Additionally, the Commission has no record of receiving any complaints regarding non-compliance with the rule, or of initiating any law enforcement actions alleging violations of the rule's requirements. Finally, the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation, which has been adopted by 47 states, regulates the labeling of tablecloths, providing that these items must be labeled with their finished size. Part B--Objectives Based on the review described above, the Commission has determined that there may no longer be a need to continue the Tablecloth Rule in light of the apparent changes in industry practices and the existence of laws in nearly all of the states mandating the point- of-sale disclosure required by the rule. The objective of this notice is to solicit comment on whether the Commission should initiate a rulemaking proceeding to repeal the Tablecloth Rule. Part C--Alternative Actions The Commission is not aware of any feasible alternatives to either repealing or retaining the Tablecloth Rule. Part D--Request for Comments of marking the size of their products for sale at retail to consumers? (2) Does the fact that nearly all of the states have adopted the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation, which governs the labeling of tablecloths, eliminate or greatly lessen the need for the Tablecloth Rule? (3) What are the benefits to consumers from the rule? (4) What are the costs to industry imposed by the rule? (5) Is there a continuing need for the rule or should the rule be repealed? Authority: Sec. 18(d)(2)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 57a(d)(2)(B). List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 404 Advertising, Trade practices, Tablecloths. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary. 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