Markets Wired

Do you have something to say about used auto parts and how they’re marketed? If so, the Federal Trade Commission wants to hear from you. As part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the FTC is seeking public comment on the costs, benefits, need for, and regulatory and economic impact of the FTC’s Used Auto Parts Guides.

The Guides, formally known as the “Guides for the Rebuilt, Reconditioned and Other Used Automobile Parts Industry,” are designed to prevent the unfair or deceptive marketing of used motor vehicle parts and assemblies, such as engines and transmissions, containing used parts.

The Guides prohibit misrepresentations that a part is new or about the condition, extent of previous use, reconstruction, or repair of a part. Previously used parts must be clearly and conspicuously identified as such in advertising and packaging, and, if the part appears new, on the part itself. The Guides describe the treatment a part must receive before it can be described as “rebuilt” or “remanufactured,” and limit use of the term “factory rebuilt” to parts built “at a factory generally engaged in the rebuilding of such products.” The Guides also prohibit misrepresenting a part rebuilder’s identity.

The Guides’ last revision, in 2002, included an update to the list of commonly rebuilt or reused parts for cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, and similar self-propelled vehicles.

The Commission vote approving the Federal Register Notice was 5-0. The Notice is available on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release and will be published in the Federal Register soon. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received on or before August 3, 2012. All comments received will be posted at www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. (FTC File No. P127702; the staff contact is Jonathan L. Kessler, East Central Region, 216-263-3436)

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

(Used Auto Parts Guides)
(FTC File No. P127702)