Online sellers would have to disclose product origin and seller location under new bill

What does this do?

HR 9057 would require online sellers to clearly show where a product was made and where the seller's business is based on product listings. The rule applies to new foreign-made goods already subject to country-of-origin marking requirements under existing customs law. Used goods, small sellers with fewer than 200 sales per year and under $20,000 in earnings, and several food and drug categories are exempt.

Who does it affect?

The bill primarily affects online retailers and marketplace sellers who sell foreign-made goods. Shoppers who buy from those sellers would gain more visibility into where products and their sellers come from.

Why does it matter?

Sellers who receive origin information from a manufacturer or supplier in good faith would not be held liable if that information is wrong, provided they correct it quickly once discovered. The FTC would enforce violations under the same standards it applies to unfair or deceptive business practices, with the FTC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Agriculture required to coordinate on consistent application before rules take effect one year later.

Where does it stand?