Law label
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A law label is a legally required tag or label on new items describing the fabric and filling regulating the United States mattress, upholstery and stuffed article (eg: pillows, plush toys, comforters, etc) industry. Typically these tags begin with a phrase such as This tag may not be removed under penalty of law except by the consumer. Some states require tags on used bedding as well.
Laws requiring these tags were passed in the United States to inform consumers as to whether the stuffed article they were buying contained new or recycled materials. This was and still is considered important as contaminated, recycled stuffing material could contain lice, bedbugs, or human excretions.[citation needed]
Such stuffed article labelling laws exist in other jurisdictions, for example, the tag required on duvets sold in the United Kingdom, that describe the materials used and the tog insulation rating.
Many mattress manufacturers such as Sealy[1], Simmons[2] and Serta[3] require these tags to be produced in the event of a warranty claim.[citation needed] If the consumer chooses to remove these tags, they should be stored in a safe place along with their Warranty card.
[edit] Popular culture
The wording of the warnings printed on some law labels has caused a common misconception in the USA that removing such a label under any circumstance is a crime, prohibiting consumers from removing labels from items they have purchased. This draconian interpretation is commonly lampooned. Pee-wee's Big Adventure and the "Wanted: Wade" episode of Garfield and Friends feature characters who are harshly punished for removing a law label.
[edit] External links
- Minnesota Statutes 325F.31: Bedding to be labeled. Legal requirements in Minnesota for labeling new or remanufactured bedding.
- Minnesota Statutes 325F.28: Material must be renovated. A legal definition of requirements in Minnesota for sterilizing and renovating old mattresses.
