WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) and Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03) introduced the bipartisan Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Online Act to ensure that products that are sold online list their country of origin to protect American consumer’s right to know where the products they buy are made and promote American-made goods. Unlike products that are purchased in-person, goods that are sold online are not required to list their country of origin. This legislation closes this legal loophole and increases e-commerce transparency by updating labeling laws so online shoppers have the same protection and right to seller location information as in-person shoppers. Specifically, the bill requires country of origin labeling be clearly stated in the website’s description of the product and a clear disclosure of the country in which the seller of the product is located. 

“Whether you shop online or in-person, American consumers have the right to know where the products they buy are made,” said Rep. Gimenez. “This legislation increases transparency by extending in-person labeling requirements to e-commerce and ensures that all goods sold online list their country of origin. This protects American consumers from shoddy, unsafe, or counterfeit goods sold by companies in Communist China and promotes quality American-made products.  I am proud to work in a bipartisan manner to fix outdated labeling laws, increase transparency, protect consumers, and promote American businesses.”

Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China. 

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