FTC Ups Maximum Penalties for Wool, Fur Act, Energy Efficiency Labeling Violations

The Federal Trade Commission is increasing maximum civil penalties assessed for violations of laws and regulations enforced by the agency, it said (here). The one-time “catch up,” which more than doubles some penalty amounts, was required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, signed into law in November, and will be followed by annual adjustments for inflation. The increase more than doubles penalties for unfair trade practices, failure to maintain records on wool and fur products and energy efficiency labeling violations. The higher penalties take effect Aug. 1.