This legislation aims to protect consumers by prohibiting manufacturers from engaging in deceptive downsizing . This practice occurs when a manufacturer sells a consumer product of reduced size using the same or substantially similar packaging that was previously used for a larger version of that product. Congress finds that this practice harms consumers, reduces purchasing power, and contributes to inflation by obscuring actual price increases, as consumers often do not recognize the change until after purchase. The bill explicitly prohibits manufacturers from engaging in such deceptive practices. However, it establishes a safe harbor provision: manufacturers will not be liable if they provide clear, conspicuous, and easily understandable notice on the product's principal display panel, stating both the original larger size and the new reduced size. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is directed to promulgate regulations to implement these provisions and will enforce violations as unfair or deceptive acts under the Federal Trade Commission Act, utilizing its full range of powers.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Commerce
Consumer affairsInflation and pricesMarketing and advertising
Deceptive Downsizing Prohibition Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5226| House
| Updated: 9/9/2025
This legislation aims to protect consumers by prohibiting manufacturers from engaging in deceptive downsizing . This practice occurs when a manufacturer sells a consumer product of reduced size using the same or substantially similar packaging that was previously used for a larger version of that product. Congress finds that this practice harms consumers, reduces purchasing power, and contributes to inflation by obscuring actual price increases, as consumers often do not recognize the change until after purchase. The bill explicitly prohibits manufacturers from engaging in such deceptive practices. However, it establishes a safe harbor provision: manufacturers will not be liable if they provide clear, conspicuous, and easily understandable notice on the product's principal display panel, stating both the original larger size and the new reduced size. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is directed to promulgate regulations to implement these provisions and will enforce violations as unfair or deceptive acts under the Federal Trade Commission Act, utilizing its full range of powers.