Bill Summary
The proposed legislation, known as the "American Consumer Awareness of National Source Act" or the "American CANS Act," seeks to amend the Tariff Act of 1930. Its primary aim is to enhance transparency for consumers regarding the origin of agricultural products that are packaged in cans. Specifically, it mandates that the country-of-origin labeling for these products be prominently displayed on the front label or the top of the can. This change is intended to help consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase. The new labeling requirement will take effect 18 months after the law is enacted, applying only to agricultural products imported after that date.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "American Consumer Awareness of National Source Act" (or "American CANS Act") could affect people:
1. **Increased Consumer Awareness**: With the requirement for clear country-of-origin labeling on the front or top of canned agricultural products, consumers will be better informed about where their food comes from. This transparency can influence purchasing decisions, allowing consumers to support local or domestic producers over imported goods, thereby fostering a preference for products perceived as higher quality or more sustainable.
2. **Impact on Retailers and Manufacturers**: Retailers and manufacturers of canned agricultural products will need to adapt their labeling practices to comply with the new regulations. This may involve redesigning labels or changing production processes, which could lead to increased operational costs. These costs may ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices or reduced profit margins for businesses.
3. **Enhanced Food Safety and Traceability**: By providing clearer information about the origin of canned agricultural products, the act could improve food safety and traceability. In the event of a food safety issue, such as contamination, it would be easier for health authorities and consumers to identify the source and take appropriate action. This could lead to faster recalls and better protection for public health.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 914 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 914
To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that required country-of-
origin labeling for any agricultural product packaged in a can shall be
on the front label or top of such can, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 4, 2025
Mr. Harder of California (for himself and Mr. Van Orden) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that required country-of-
origin labeling for any agricultural product packaged in a can shall be
on the front label or top of such can, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``American Consumer Awareness of
National Source Act'' or the ``American CANS Act''.
SEC. 2. METHOD OF NOTIFICATION OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF AN AGRICULTURAL
PRODUCT PACKAGED IN A CAN.
(a) In General.--Section 304(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19
U.S.C. 1304(b)) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the
following: ``In the case of such an article that is an agricultural
product (as defined in section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
1946) packaged in a can, the marking required under this subsection
shall appear on the front label of the can or be stamped, embossed, or
printed on the top of the can.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
only apply to agricultural products imported on or after the date that
is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
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