Since 1992, the FTC has conducted a regular, systematic review of all its rules and guides on a rotating basis. Rules and guides are critically important, but need to be reviewed periodically to ensure they are up-to-date, effective, and not overly burdensome. The FTC places each of its rules and guides on a 10-year review calendar. When they come up for review, we ask the following questions:
- What is the economic impact of the rule or guide?
- Is there a continuing need for the rule or guide?
- Are there possible conflicts between the rule or guide and state, local, or other federal laws or regulations?
- Has the rule or guide been affected by any technological, economic, or other industry changes?
We rely on the public, including consumers, businesses, advocates, industry experts and others to help us decide whether it’s time to update a rule or guide, leave it as is, or even rescind it. We’ve eliminated dozens of rules and guides since we started this process, and modified many others to keep pace with changes in the marketplace.
You can see all the rules and guides currently under review here and comment on them during the public comment period. You also can find a copy of our review schedule and a list of rescinded rules and guides on this site.
We recently asked for comments on our review schedule and process. You can read the comments we received here.
FTC News and Additional Resources
- FTC Announces Schedule for Reviewing Regulations (April 6, 2012)
- Systematic Review of Commission Rules and Guides (April 6, 2012)
- FTC Regulatory Review Plan: Ensuring FTC Rules Are Up-to-Date, Effective, and Not Overly Burdensome (September 2011)
- FTC Chairman's Statement Regarding President's Reform Initiative (July 11, 2011)
- FTC News Release: FTC Enhances Regulatory Review Program (July 7, 2011)
- FTC Commission's Regulatory Review Testimony (July 7, 2011)