FTC Extends Comment Deadline on Proposed Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced an extension for the deadline to file comments on its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) concerning the “Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees.” Originally set for January 8, 2024, the new deadline is now February 7, 2024, providing stakeholders with additional time to prepare their responses.

This extension comes in response to requests from interested parties who sought more time to comprehensively address the questions and concerns outlined in the NPRM. Published in the Federal Register on November 9, 2023 (88 FR 77420), the NPRM aims to gather public input on the proposed regulation designed to curb unfair or deceptive fees in various industries.

The FTC emphasizes that while the original period was sufficient for public commentary, the extended deadline is a move to ensure thorough and thoughtful contributions from all stakeholders. This rulemaking is a significant step in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers from potentially misleading or unjustified fees that could impact their economic well-being.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments online at regulations.gov or through traditional mail. All comments should be labeled with “Unfair or Deceptive Fees NPRM, R207011” for identification. The FTC has made it clear that, to the extent possible, all submissions will be made available on the public record and accessible through the rulemaking docket at the provided web address.

For further information, the FTC has provided contact details for Janice Kopec and Stacy Cammarano of the Division of Advertising Practices, Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The Commission’s decision to extend the comment period reflects its commitment to an inclusive and transparent rulemaking process, ensuring that a wide range of viewpoints are considered before finalizing any regulatory actions. The outcome of this process could have significant implications for both consumers and businesses, highlighting the importance of this extended period for public input.