Overview
Title
To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that required country-of-origin labeling for any agricultural product packaged in a can shall be on the front label or top of such can, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 9349 says that food in cans needs a sticker or marking on the front or top to show where it comes from, like a name tag for your soup, so everyone knows where it’s from.
Summary AI
H.R. 9349, known as the “American Consumer Awareness of National Source Act” or the “American CANS Act,” proposes changes to the Tariff Act of 1930. It requires that any agricultural product packaged in a can must have its country-of-origin label on the front or the top of the can. This new labeling requirement would apply to products imported 18 months after the act becomes law. The bill was introduced by Mr. Harder of California and Mr. Van Orden and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
H.R. 9349, also known as the "American Consumer Awareness of National Source Act" or the "American CANS Act," is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Tariff Act of 1930. The primary goal of this bill is to mandate that country-of-origin labels for agricultural products packaged in cans be clearly displayed either on the front label or on the top of the can. This requirement is intended to enhance transparency for consumers regarding the origin of canned agricultural products. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on August 13, 2024, and has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The change would apply to products imported 18 months after the bill's enactment.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues are associated with the proposed amendment:
Labeling Consistency: The bill allows for the country of origin to be marked on the front of the can, stamped, embossed, or printed on the top. This flexibility in labeling methods may result in inconsistencies. Without specified guidelines, different producers might adopt varying practices, which could cause confusion for both manufacturers and consumers.
Definition of Agricultural Product: The bill references the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 for the definition of an "agricultural product" without providing explicit definitions in the text. Those tasked with implementing the regulation may find this approach burdensome as they will need to consult additional sources to understand the scope of the bill fully.
Lack of Funding for Implementation: There is no mention of additional funding or resources being allocated to help with the implementation of these new labeling requirements. This omission could place a financial burden on importers and manufacturers, who must meet the new standards without any provided support.
Timeline for Compliance: An effective date set at 18 months post-enactment might not allow sufficient time for industries to prepare for these changes. The readiness of the industry to comply with the new requirements within the specified timeframe is uncertain and could lead to potential compliance issues and financial difficulties.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this bill aims to arm consumers with clearer information regarding the origin of agricultural products packaged in cans. For individuals who prioritize buying products from specific countries, this change could help make more informed purchasing decisions. However, the benefit to consumers depends on the consistent application of labeling practices across the industry.
Impact on Stakeholders
Positive Impacts:
- Consumers: For those interested in supporting local or specific international markets, clearer labeling assists in making choices that align with personal values or dietary needs.
Negative Impacts:
Importers and Manufacturers: These groups may face financial implications due to the additional costs of compliance, especially if no funding or assistance is provided to offset the expenses related to the new labeling methods.
Small Businesses: Smaller organizations may particularly struggle with the financial and logistical burden of adapting to new labeling requirements within an 18-month timeframe.
In summary, while the intention behind the "American CANS Act" is to improve consumer awareness and transparency, its implementation poses challenges that may affect how effectively and equitably these changes are realized. The lack of specific guidelines and funding could result in increased burdens on businesses, highlighting a need for careful consideration and potential adjustments to ensure successful and fair execution of the bill's objectives.
Issues
The amendment to the Tariff Act of 1930 in Section 2 specifies different methods for labeling the country of origin on cans (front label, stamped, embossed, or printed on top). This lack of specific guidelines or standards could lead to inconsistencies in implementation, which may cause confusion for both manufacturers and consumers.
Section 2 refers to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 for the definition of 'agricultural product' without directly providing the definition within the bill. This requirement for further lookup could be considered unclear and burdensome for those implementing the regulation.
There is no mention in Section 2 of any additional funding or allocation of resources for implementing this labeling requirement, which could financially impact importers or manufacturers who need to comply with the new labeling standards.
The effective date in Section 2 is set at 18 months post-enactment. This timeline might not align with industry readiness or logistical capabilities, potentially causing compliance issues and financial stress for affected businesses.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the Act states that it can be called the “American Consumer Awareness of National Source Act” or the “American CANS Act”.
2. Method of notification of country of origin of an agricultural product packaged in a can Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that the country of origin for agricultural products packaged in cans must be clearly marked on the front label or on the top of the can. This rule will only apply to products imported 18 months after the law is enacted.