What the FTC Leather Guides Cover

The Guides apply to the manufacture, sale, distribution, marketing and advertising of leather or simulated-leather trunks, suitcases, travelling bags, briefcases, wallets, key cases, coin purses, card cases, handbags, shoulder bags, purses, footwear, belts and similar articles. They are administrative interpretations, not a statute.

What the text says

• 16 CFR Part 24 has four sections: scope, deception in general, deception as to composition, and misuse of terms such as waterproof and scratch resistant.
• The Guides represent administrative interpretations of laws administered by the FTC, for the guidance of the public.
• They address how section 5 of the FTC Act applies to the products listed.
• They provide a basis for voluntary compliance.
• Conduct inconsistent with the Guides may result in corrective action by the Commission under section 5, after an investigation.

What this means for a buyer

The Guides tell you what a fair description of a leather product should look like. They do not give a buyer a right to a refund. They do not rank leather, and they do not cover how a bag performs.

How to use them

1. Check the material and the parts.
2. Look for disclosures about backing and processing.
3. Treat absolute terms with care.
4. Keep the listing and the label.

Why it helps to know

Knowing that these are guidelines, not a rulebook, helps you read a complaint story with care. A story that says a seller broke the law may be an oversimplification. What you can do is compare the label with the Guides, and ask the seller specific questions about what is on the label.

Where this answer stops

This article is a plain-language reading of the scope section. It does not cover other countries, and it is not legal advice.