[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 114 (Friday, June 13, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32338-32339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15525]
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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Notice of 60-Day Extension in Coment Period on Its Rule Governing
Informal Dispute Settlement Mechanisms (``Rule 703'')
agency: Federal Trade Commission.
action: Request for public comments.
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summary: The Federal Trade Commission (``the Commission'' or ``FTC'')
has extended the date by which comments must be submitted concerning
the review of its Rule governing Informal Dispute Settlement
Mechanisms, 16 CFR part 703 (``Rule 703''). This notice informs
prospective participants of the change and sets a new date of August 1,
1997, for the end of the comment period.
On April 2, 1997, the Commission published a request for comments
on its review of Rule 703, which specifies the minimum standards which
must be met by any informal dispute settlement
[[Page 32339]]
mechanism that is incorporated into the written warranty of a consumer
product and which the consumer must use prior to pursuing any legal
remedies in court. By letters dated May 23, 1997, the American
Automobile Manufacturers Association (``AAMA'') and the National
Association of Attorneys General (``NAAG'') both requested an extension
of time in order to compile cost and other data relating to the Rule's
impact. In order to provide sufficient time for these and other
interested parties to compile factual material in response to the
request for comments, the Commission has extended until August 1, 1997,
the date by which comments must be received.
dates: Written comments will be received until the close of business on
August 1, 1997.
addresses: Comments should be directed to: Secretary, Federal Trade
Commission, Room H-159, Sixth and Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20580. Comments should be identified as ``Rule 703--Comment.''
for further information contact: Carole I. Danielson (202) 326-3115,
Division of Marketing Practices, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal
Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580.
supplementary information: On April 2, 1997, the Commission requested
comments about the overall costs and benefits of its Rule Governing
Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures, 16 CFR Part 703 (``Rule 703'')
and the overall regulatory and economic impact of the Rule as part of
its systematic review of all current Commission regulations and guides.
The request was made as part of the Commission's determination, as part
of its oversight responsibilities, to review rules and guides
periodically. Pursuant to these reviews, the Commission seeks
information about the costs and benefits of the rules and guides under
review, as well as their regulatory and economic impact. The
information obtained will assist the Commission in identifying rules
and guides that warrant modification or rescission. The comment period
closes June 2, 1997.
The AAMA and NAAG have stated that they require additional time to
complete compilation of the requested information and have requested
that the comment period be extended in order to permit them to complete
their data collection and response. Although the Commission is mindful
of the need to deal with this matter expeditiously, the Commission is
also aware that the issues raised are complex and believes that the
enhancement of the record that will be achieved by extending the
comment period outweighs any harm that might be caused by the delay.
Accordingly, the Commission has decided to extend the comment
period to August 1, 1997. This extension will provide sufficient time
for commenters to complete their data collection.
List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 703
Warranties, trade practices.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.
By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-15525 Filed 6-12-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-M
