H.R. 10048: Truth in Labeling Act of 2026

The bill would create nationwide rules for how products and packaging can be labeled when they are described as recyclable, compostable, reusable, or refillable. It sets legal definitions for those terms and requires labels and claims about those environmental attributes to be truthful and standardized. The goal is to reduce confusion and prevent companies from using misleading symbols, wording, or claims that suggest a product can be recycled or composted when it cannot be handled that way in practice.

Labeling standards and prohibited claims

The bill would ban false or misleading environmental marketing related to recyclability, compostability, reusability, and refillability. It would require companies to use standardized labels so consumers can more easily understand whether a product meets those descriptions. The law would also restrict the use of symbols or claims that could mislead consumers about how a product should be disposed of or reused.

Oversight and implementation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have roles in carrying out and overseeing the standards. The bill would also create an advisory committee to provide input on how the rules should work in practice. In addition, the bill would require annual public reports and education efforts to help inform businesses and consumers about the labeling rules and what the terms mean.

Phase-in and enforcement

The bill would phase in the ban on misleading recyclability, compostability, reusability, and refillability labels over two years. After that period, companies would generally be prohibited from using labels or claims that do not meet the new standards, though some exceptions would apply. The bill would allow penalties for violations and let states enforce the law as well. It also says the federal rules would not override stronger state laws, so states could keep or adopt stricter requirements.

Relevant Companies

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