Federal Trade Commission
Received Documents
July 8, 1996
P894219
B18354900332

                       UNITED STATES SENATE
                    WASHINGTON, DC 20510-2202

                          June 25, 1996
The Honorable Robert Pitofsky
Chairman
Federal Trade Commission
Sixth and Pennsylvania, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580

Dear Chairman Pitofsky:

Last summer, the Commission announced its intention to labeling claims.  I urge the Commission
not to abandon or change its long-standing "all or virtually all" standard applicable to unqualified
"Made in U.S.A." claims for product advertising and labeling.

  The current FTC standard only applies when a manufacturer chooses to make an unqualified
"made in U.S.A." claim.  There is also no prohibition against making other qualified claims, such
as " Made in U.S.A. of foreign and domestic components", as long as they are truthful and non-deceptive.  I believe the Commission should maintain its current standard of "all or virtually all"
for made-in U.S.A. labeling so that consumers know what they are getting when they buy a
product so labeled.

  A company that does not actually produce its product in the United States should not be able to
benefit from consumers' preference for American-made products.  This benefit should continue to
be reserved for products made with American components made by American workers.  I urge
you not to alter this highly appropriate standard.  Thank you for your consideration.

                                   Sincerely,


                                   Carl Levin

CL/amp