Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency Online and Support Products Made in America

Congressman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the bipartisan Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Online Act to ensure that products that are sold online list their country of origin to protect American consumer’s right to know where the products they buy are made and promote American-made goods. Unlike products that are purchased in-person, goods that are sold online are not required to list their country of origin. This legislation closes this legal loophole and increases e-commerce transparency by updating labeling laws so online shoppers have the same protection and right to seller location information as in-person shoppers. Specifically, the bill requires country of origin labeling be clearly stated in the website’s description of the product and a clear disclosure of the country in which the seller of the product is located.