Charlotte based The Hosiery Association (THA) informed that the collective efforts of (THA), various industry groups and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) along with congressional assistance proved to offer a positive means in which to interpret a new law.
The Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 amended the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act to impose special requirements for the country of origin labeling for most socks effective March 3, 2006.
The provision, however, does not specifically address how products produced or shipped before that date are to be treated. For several months, members of the sock industry have sought advice and guidance from the FTC on its enforcement assessment of products that have been manufactured during the interim period of December 2004 and now, but still remain on retailers' shelves and/or in inventories as of March 3, 2006.
Without a clear understanding, it would be difficult to maintain a high degree of compliance and be disruptive in the marketplace.
“The FTC willingly conducted meetings with the offices of Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL-4th), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC-5th) Representative Robin Hayes (R-NC- 8th), Representative Sue Myrick (R-NC-9th), Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL)as well as the industry representative to address these concerns.”
"I appreciate the courtesy shown to us and the response given to us by our government and the personnel we talked with at FTC, commented Charles Cole, Owner of Alabama Footwear and Chairman of the USA Domestic Manufacturers Committee of THA.”
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