Ever noticed that bold tag on your pillow or mattress that says, “UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER”? It may sound intimidating, but it’s not meant for you. That warning is directed at manufacturers and retailers to ensure they disclose what materials are used inside the product—especially important when low-quality or unsanitary fillings were more common.
As a consumer, you’re completely within your rights to remove that tag after purchase. No law prohibits you from snipping it off, and you won’t face any penalties for doing so. The label’s original purpose is to protect buyers, not to police what you do with your own pillow or mattress once it’s yours.
However, there are practical reasons to consider keeping the tag. It often includes cleaning instructions, warranty terms, or return information. Some secondhand stores or donation centers also prefer items to have their original tags for hygiene or verification purposes. In the case of certain baby products, removing a tag may even void the warranty or erase critical safety details.
So while it’s perfectly legal to cut off that itchy or noisy label, it’s wise to check what’s on it first. The dramatic wording is a holdover from older regulations, but today, it’s just about transparency. If the tag has no useful info for you, feel free to remove it—without guilt or fear.