Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara introduced a bill to improve transparency to online shopping, the "Know Where It's From Act." This bill aims to enhance clarity when buying online, ensuring shoppers are well-informed about the origin, shipping, and return costs of online purchases, particularly those from outside the US.

The legislation requires online sellers to prominently display the country of origin for products made outside the US and clearly indicate if a product is shipped from beyond US borders. It also addresses return policies, including associated shipping costs and fees for items shipped internationally.

This proposal seeks to address challenges faced by consumers who may unknowingly receive products from various countries, providing information about product origins. The bill empowers consumers to make informed decisions while holding online sellers accountable for transparent practices.

“Empowering consumers through heightened awareness for well-informed purchasing decisions is important in today's world of online shopping,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This bill can help prevent unexpected expenses related to high-cost return shipping fees for items from outside the US, which often prevents people from returning an item, even if they are not happy with it. It also promotes transparent practices among online sellers and establishing a framework for regulatory oversight to ensure compliance.”

Key Provisions of the "Know Where It's From Act":

1. Clear Information: Sellers must disclose where a product is being shipped from and, if applicable, the cost of returning the item if shipped from outside the US.
2. Returns Info: Sellers must inform buyers in advance about the process for returning items shipped from outside the US.

Assemblyman Santabarbara highlights the significance of keeping consumers informed, particularly as online shopping continues to grow. He states, “This bill ensures people have the right information when shopping online, making good choices, preventing unexpected costs, and ensuring sellers inform customers about their product origins.”