You’ve probably seen the intimidating warning on pillow tags: *"UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER.”* It sounds serious—like cutting it could land you in legal trouble. But don’t worry, the law isn’t after sleepy pillow owners.
### **Why Does the Tag Exist?**
The tag isn’t meant to scare consumers—it’s for manufacturers and retailers. These labels were introduced to ensure transparency about what’s inside bedding products (like pillows and mattresses) after some shady companies stuffed them with unsanitary materials. The law requires sellers to disclose filling details *before* purchase.
### **Can You Remove the Tag?**
**Yes!** Once you buy the pillow, the tag is yours to keep or cut. The warning only applies *before* the sale. No, federal agents won’t raid your home for snipping it off.
### **Should You Keep It Anyway?**
While removing the tag is legal, keeping it can be useful because:
- It may have **care instructions** or **warranty details**.
- Some resale or donation centers (like thrift stores) prefer items with original tags for hygiene reasons.
### **Exceptions to the Rule**
A few products—like **car seats, baby mattresses, or certain safety gear**—have tags with critical warnings or serial numbers. Removing these could void warranties or remove important safety info.
### **Why the Scary Wording?**
The dramatic language is a holdover from strict old regulations. Though outdated, the tags remain as a legal formality—not a threat to consumers.
### **Final Verdict**
✔ **Legal?** Absolutely—once it’s yours.
✔ **Smart to remove?** Only if you’re sure you won’t need the info later.
So go ahead—set your scissors free and enjoy a tag-free snuggle. The law’s on your side.
