Regulatory Review Schedule

AGENCY:

Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION:

Intent to request public comments.

SUMMARY:

As part of its ongoing, systematic review of all Federal Trade Commission rules and guides, the Commission announces a modified ten-year regulatory review schedule. No Commission determination on the need for, or the substance of, the rules and guides listed below should be inferred from this notice.

DATES:

February 20, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Further details about particular rules or guides may be obtained from the contact person listed below for the rule or guide.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

To ensure that its rules and industry guides remain relevant and are not unduly burdensome, the Commission reviews them on a ten-year schedule. Each year the Commission publishes its review schedule, with adjustments made in response to public input, changes in the marketplace, and resource demands.

When the Commission reviews a rule or guide, it publishes a document in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the continuing need for the rule or guide, as well as the rule's or guide's costs and benefits to consumers and businesses. Based on this feedback, the Commission may modify or repeal the rule or guide to address public concerns or changed conditions, or to reduce undue regulatory burden.

The Commission posts information about its review schedule on its website to facilitate comment. This website contains an updated review schedule, a list of rules and guides previously eliminated in the regulatory review process, and the Commission's regulatory review plan.

Modified Ten-Year Schedule for Review of FTC Rules and Guides

For 2018, the Commission intends to initiate reviews of, and solicit public comments on, the following rules and guides:

(1) Guides for the Nursery Industry, 16 CFR part 18. Agency Contact: Megan Gray, (202) 326-3408, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Enforcement, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20580.

(2) Test Procedures and Labeling Standards for Recycled Oil, 16 CFR part 311. Agency Contact: Hampton Newsome, (202) 326-2889, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Enforcement, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20580.

(3) Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising, 16 CFR part 436. Agency Contact: Craig Tregillus, (202) 326-2970, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Marketing Practices, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20580.

(4) Identity Theft [Red Flag] Rules, 16 CFR part 681. Agency Contact: Tiffany George, (202) 326-3040, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20580.

The Commission is currently reviewing 11 of the 65 rules and guides within its jurisdiction. During 2017, it completed a review of 16 CFR 259, Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles; and 16 CFR 682, Disposal of Consumer Report Information and Records. A copy of the Commission's modified regulatory review schedule, indicating initiation dates for reviews through 2028, is appended. The Commission, in its discretion, may modify or reorder the schedule in the future to incorporate new rules, or to respond to external factors (such as changes in the law) or other considerations.

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.

Appendix

Regulatory Review