Truth in Labeling Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
Introduced
Summary
Standardized national labeling and strict, testable criteria for recyclability, compostability, and reuse. This bill would create federal definitions and tests that companies must meet before packaging can be labeled recyclable, compostable, reusable, or refillable. It would also require a mandatory on-package label and national lists showing which materials qualify.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
Who decides material lists
If enacted, EPA and the FTC would create an expert advisory committee within 180 days to advise on label rules. EPA would study collection, processing, and end markets nationwide and publish lists of covered materials that meet the Act's tests. Producers could submit technical studies, trials, and market evidence for EPA and the FTC to consider when deciding or revising those lists.
Enforcement, fines, and recycling grants
If enacted, the FTC could treat mislabeled covered materials as deceptive two years after the standardized labels are set and could seek injunctive relief and civil fines. The FTC must notify violators and give a 180-day period to fix violations before fines apply. Fines collected would be available to EPA without further appropriation to fund specified recycling infrastructure and consumer education grants, which must supplement existing program funds. EPA and the FTC would also report to Congress within one year and annually thereafter on implementation and consumer understanding.
Mandatory standard labels and rules
If enacted, EPA and the FTC would require a single standardized on-package label within two years. Producers would have to use the new icons, wording, placement, and legibility rules when claiming recyclable, compostable, reusable, or refillable. The bill would ban chasing-arrows or similar symbols unless the item meets the Act's tests. EPA would review label standards at least every five years and encourage label supply-chain coordination.
Rules for calling something recyclable
If enacted, an item could be labeled "recyclable" only if it meets industry design guides, contains no nonremovable components that block recycling, and has commercial value in a responsible end market. To make a full recyclability claim, the end market must cover at least 60 percent of consumers where the item is sold. A temporary "qualified" claim is allowed at 40 percent coverage if EPA approves a plan to reach full recyclability within two years. EPA must publish recyclability lists not later than 18 months after enactment and update them every two years.
Rules for reusable and refillable items
If enacted, an item would be "reusable" or "refillable" only if it meets industry durability and maintainability standards, is designed to be refilled or recirculated multiple times as EPA defines, and is supported by a system that enables reuse or refill. EPA must publish a reusable/refillable list within 270 days and update it every two years. Listed items would get a one-year grace period if removed.
What counts as compostable
If enacted, a material would be "compostable" only if it meets industry standards and ASTM tests (for example ASTM D6640 or D6868 or equivalents), has no intentionally added PFAS or incompatible heavy metals, and is accepted by at least 50 percent of U.S. composting programs. A qualified claim is allowed at 30 percent acceptance. EPA must publish a compostability list within 270 days and update it every two years. Listed items would get a one-year grace period if removed from the list.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
CA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov