If you’ve ever fluffed a brand-new pillow, curled up for a nap, and then been interrupted by the sharp crinkle of a tag screaming “UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER”—you’re not alone. That ominous warning has startled many people right in the middle of getting cozy. But let’s set the record straight: yes, you can remove that tag—legally and guilt-free—as long as you’re the one who bought the item.

This seemingly dramatic label isn’t just about comforters and cushions—it’s part of a quirky but meaningful slice of consumer protection history. Understanding the reason these tags exist and when it’s actually safe to snip them off can help you make better decisions about product safety, returns, and even warranties.

Why Do Mattresses and Pillows Have Those Scary-Looking Tags?
The infamous tags are officially known as law labels. And no—they weren’t invented to spook you into submission. They go all the way back to the early 1900s, during a time when some less-than-honest manufacturers would stuff furniture and bedding with all sorts of unsanitary or questionable materials—think horsehair, shredded rags, or even recycled fabric of unknown origin.

To fight this deceptive practice, lawmakers required manufacturers to list exactly what was inside their products. These law labels were a way to make companies transparent about the materials they used and ensure buyers knew exactly what they were getting. So while the wording on the tag may sound harsh, its purpose was to protect you, the consumer—not to scare you.

The law about not removing the tag applies only to the manufacturer, retailer, or anyone selling the product—not the person who buys it. So once that pillow or mattress is in your home, you can do whatever you want with the label.

So What Happens If You Cut It Off?
Absolutely nothing—if you’re the consumer. The “penalty of law” line only applies to the business side of things. It’s meant to prevent companies from hiding what’s inside the product before it gets sold. Once you’ve made the purchase, you’re in the clear. There are no mattress police or federal agents patrolling neighborhoods for rogue tag snippers.

The dramatic warning is just a leftover from a time when manufacturers faced major consequences for not listing their product contents. These days, it’s more of a formality than an active threat. So if that stiff, scratchy tag is ruining your nap, grab the scissors—no laws will be broken.

But Should You Cut It Off? Maybe Think Twice
While you’re legally allowed to remove the tag, it’s a good idea to pause and think about whether it might be useful down the road. These tags can contain helpful information like:

• Warranty info: Some companies won’t honor product warranties or accept returns if the original tag is missing.

• Care instructions: Tags often explain how to wash or maintain the item.

• Proof of authenticity: If you plan to donate, resell, or give away the product later, charities and secondhand shops might require that the tag still be attached, especially for health and hygiene reasons.

So before you toss it in the trash, ask yourself: Could I need this later? If the answer is no, snip away. If the answer is maybe, consider storing the tag in a drawer or attaching it to the receipt.

Special Considerations for Baby Products and Car Seats
This is one area where tags matter even more. Products made for babies and toddlers—like car seats, cribs, and baby mattresses—often come with critical safety labels. These include information like manufacturing dates, expiration warnings, and safety certifications.

Removing these tags might not only void a warranty but could also eliminate important safety guidance. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to leave those labels intact. Safety first—especially when it comes to children.

Why Is the Language So Intense?
The “under penalty of law” statement sounds like something from a courtroom drama, but it had a real purpose at one time. Back when these regulations were first introduced, the government was cracking down hard on companies that misled consumers. Harsh wording helped make sure they took the rules seriously.

While those days are mostly behind us, the label has stuck around out of tradition more than necessity. Today, the tough language is aimed at sellers, not at folks like you trying to sleep in peace.

The Bottom Line: Cut It If You Want To
Here’s the final verdict: if the tag is bothering you, and you’re the buyer, go ahead and remove it. You’re completely within your rights, and no one’s going to come knocking on your door.

Just take a moment first. Ask yourself whether you might need the information on the tag in the future. If not, snip away and sleep better tonight. If you think it might come in handy for a return or cleaning instructions, maybe hold on to it—just in case.

That little tag may seem like a relic of a different era, but now you know its story. Once used to shield consumers from shady business practices, it still serves as a quiet reminder of the importance of transparency and safety. And while federal regulators are busy with bigger issues these days, it’s always nice to know you’re not breaking any laws just by cutting a tag off your pillow.