What do YOU Think?
READER ASKS ABOUT STANDARD WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FOR RUG IMPORTS

We recently received an email from an international reader who wants to know about US Weights & Measures laws with regard to rug sizes.

Here is what he wrote:

"Do you have any information/experience with how  the US laws apply in  the case of a rug being slightly shorter than the labeled size? Basically there has to be a tolerance in sizes based on the manufacturing process, which means that the rugs may vary in dimensions by 2% to 3% in both directions.

"The labeling on rugs however, especially tufted rugs, (which are not very high in value) is done on the basis of standard sizes only. Does this mean that a customer can potentially be exposed to a large risk against legal compliance? As much as we could research on the Internet, we could not get a clear answer to this.

"I would imagine that the law would allow some bare minimum manufacturer's tolerance especially on items such as rugs and other decorative items where the use of the article purchased is not gravely affected by minor variation in sizes.

"Any input that you can give  on this matter would be really helpful." 

In another e-mail, the reader said he is having a difficult time getting a consistent answer to this question.

 "Different people say different things and there is no industry standard or legal clarification. To say that 'size is size' is not entirely practical as the shrinkage of rug continues even after they are shipped and the measurement of rugs as done by different measures is not at all that accurate. An inch here or there can vary simply between different measuring tapes!

"High-end rugs  are sold as per actual measurement, but the basic to medium quality rugs like hand tufted are sold as standard sizes and some basic manufacturing tolerance is accepted by nearly all customers.

"The point that I am trying to raise here is for the benefit of the retail trade as well as the wholesale and manufacturing trade. The question is --  from the perspective of US law -- Is there a 'requirement' which must be followed by manufacturers and retailers or is it completely based on the mutual agreement between the supplier and the buyer?

"Be rest assured that all the rugs in the US market  now on the retail shelves are not labeled with accurate sizes. Actual measurement may reveal a positive or a negative tolerance which is easily up to +/ - 3%."

SO READERS, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
 

08.06.08

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