Your Right to See a Warranty Before You Buy: FTC Seeks Public Input

You might care about this because the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, is asking for public comments. They want to extend a rule that makes sure you can see a product's written warranty before you buy it. This rule applies to consumer products that cost more than $15. It is known as the Pre-Sale Availability Rule. The current approval for this rule ends on July 31, 2026. The FTC wants to keep it in place for another three years. The rule comes from the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. This act ensures that sellers and manufacturers make warranty terms available to you. They must do this by showing the warranty near the product or by providing it if you ask. Stores also need to put up signs saying warranties are available. If you buy products through catalogs, mail order, or door to door sales, special methods for providing warranty information apply. Since 2016, companies can also post warranties on websites, as long as they offer another way to get the warranty information without using the internet. The FTC is looking at the burden this rule places on businesses. They estimate it takes about 2.6 million hours of work each year for manufacturers and retailers to follow this rule. They are updating these estimates with new Census data to make sure they are accurate. The total estimated labor cost for businesses to comply is around $73 million annually. The FTC wants to hear from you about whether this information collection is necessary and how accurate their burden estimates are. What makes this document particularly interesting is its focus on protecting consumers in an ongoing way. This is not about creating a new requirement. Instead, it is about maintaining an existing rule that has been around since 1975. This rule helps ensure fairness in the marketplace. It gives you, the consumer, important information before you make a purchase. The FTC is adapting the rule to modern shopping habits, such as online sales. Allowing warranties to be posted online recognizes how many people shop today. However, the rule still makes sure that people without internet access can also get warranty details. This shows the FTC's commitment to equal access for all consumers. The FTC is also refining its methods for calculating how much time and money businesses spend on following the rules. They are using more recent data to make these estimates precise. This effort to keep calculations accurate highlights a careful approach to regulation. They want to protect consumers without placing unnecessary burdens on businesses. People who would be most interested in this legal document include a wide range of groups. Manufacturers who make consumer products costing more than $15 will find it relevant. Retailers who sell these products, whether in stores or online, also need to pay close attention. Businesses involved in mail order or catalog sales should also be aware. Anyone working in consumer protection advocacy would be interested in the continued enforcement of consumer rights. Legal professionals specializing in consumer law or business compliance will find this notice important for their clients. Finally, individual consumers who want to understand their rights when buying products should be interested. This document directly impacts how easily they can access warranty information before making a purchase. It affects how informed they can be about their purchases and any potential issues.