May 31, 2012—The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking public comments on the costs, benefits, regulatory and economic impact of the Used Auto Parts Guides as part of its review of all of the organization’s rules and guides, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA).
ASA said the FTC’s “Guides for the Rebuilt, Reconditioned and Other Used Automobile Parts Industry,” were initially issued to prevent unfair and deceptive marketing practices regarding used motor vehicle parts and assemblies.
The guides include details regarding misrepresentations about a part’s condition and its former use, and suggest that pre-used parts should be clearly identified in advertising and packaging. The guides also include language that describes the treatment that parts are mandated to receive before they can be labeled as “rebuilt” or “remanufactured,” ASA said.
The FTC’s guides were last revised in 2002, which included an updated list of commonly rebuilt or reused parts for cars, ASA said. Comments to the FTC on the guides must be submitted by Aug. 3, and will be made available to the public online at ftc.gov. Instructions for filing a comment with the FTC regarding its Used Auto Parts Guides can be found on the FTC’s website.
