IRVING, Texas—Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), reports President Obama has issued an Executive Order instructing all Federal agencies and departments to limit the purchase of promotional items (e.g., plaques, clothing, and commemorative items), in particular where they are not cost-effective.

The limits on promotional spending are included in a larger effort to reduce spending on federal employee travel, vehicles, printing and technology by at least 20 percent below Fiscal Year 2010 levels in Fiscal year 2013, which starts in October 2012. Only executive-branch agencies such as the Treasury, Defense and Agriculture departments must comply with this Executive Order but it “requests” independent agencies to comply.