Advisory opinion letter
78 F.T.C. 1632 · date not parsed ·
source volume section (78 F.T.C. 1632)
Text is machine-OCR of the printed volume and may contain errors. Advisory opinions are the Commission's views on proposed conduct, not binding orders.
Dear ComMissionzR WEINBERGER :
At the suggestion of Commissioner Jones I am writing you to let you know about our Certification Program.
As you know, the American National Standards Institute is the leading voluntary standards coordinator. We also handle all international standards through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Under separate cover I am sending a booklet describing our functions and a catalog of our standards. In addition, I am. sending a copy of the LaQue Report and a copy of our Annual Report.
As a natural follow up on standards we have initiated a voluntary Certification Program in which any manufacturer can participate. Our basic requirements are that there be an American National Standard covering this item, that the standard be one that is adequate for certification, and that this program is available to anyone wliether or not he isa member of a trade association or a domestic producer. I am also sending you a copy of an article I have written on certification and a copy of our procedures and a model contract which we have prepared. We are aware of the active part the Commission has played in reviewing these Certification Programs and your various advisory opinions. Our certification is primarily aimed at consumer goods and is for the benefit of the consumers. Knowing of your concern in this area I am sure you will find this proposed program of interest. For your information I am also sending you a booklet on our Consumer Council and our consumer standards program. ... We would like to obtain approval of the general format of our program from the Commission. . . . Very truly yours, (S) Wituram H. Rocxwe t, Director of Certification and Consumer Affairs.