COOL Online Act

The "Country Of Origin Labeling Online Act," or COOL Online Act, mandates that internet websites conspicuously display the country of origin for new products of foreign origin, including all countries for multi-sourced items, and the country where the seller has its principal place of business . This disclosure applies to products marked or required to be marked under the Tariff Act of 1930, ensuring consumers are informed about where products come from and where the seller is located. Exemptions include specific agricultural commodities (like meat, poultry, and egg products), food and drugs regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, used or previously-owned articles , and goods listed by small sellers (under $20,000 in annual sales and fewer than 200 discrete sales). For certain non-prescription drugs, the bill requires disclosure of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor's name and place of business. Manufacturers, importers, and other suppliers are obligated to provide this information to retailers, who benefit from a safe harbor if they disclose information provided by third parties. Retailers are also protected from liability if they relied in good faith on false information and promptly corrected it upon notice. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing these provisions, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts. To ensure consistent implementation, the FTC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Agriculture must establish an interagency agreement. The act will take effect 12 months after this agreement's publication.