FTC Explains ‘Made in USA’ Standard To Confirm Consumer Confidence

According to the Federal Trade Commission, "Made in USA" means that "all or virtually all" the product was, indeed, made in America. The agency enforces the standard to ensure commercial compliance and confirm consumer confidence.

For a "Made in USA" claim to be accurate, all significant parts, processing and labor that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. Products should not contain any — or only negligible — foreign content.

According to FTC officials, there's no law that requires manufacturers and marketers of most products to disclose U.S. content. In fact, except for automobiles and textile and wool products, it's a manufacturer or advertiser's choice to say whether a product is domestic. But those who choose to make the claim must adhere to the "all or virtually all" standard.

While the FTC enforces the "Made in USA" standard, it's the U.S. Customs Service that oversees the requirements that imported goods be marked with a foreign country of origin (for example, "Made in Japan").

If you believe that a product is being erroneously promoted as "Made in USA" because it wasn't - or because it contains significant foreign parts or processing - call the FTC, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP or file a complaint online at ftc.gov. If you are aware of import or export fraud, call the U.S. Customs Service Commercial Fraud Hotline, 1-800-ITS-FAKE.

Advertising Law-Related Articles

"12 Key Advertising-Related Laws You Should Know"

This article examines 12 key advertising-related laws that you should know about before you review your ads to make sure your ads don't run afoul of these laws.

"10 Things to Do So Your Ads Comply With Advertising Laws"

This article discusses 10 key areas you should look at when you're reviewing your advertising to determine whether it's in compliance with advertising law's many requirements.

"10 Tactics to Use So Your Ads Comply with Advertising Laws"

This article presents 10 tactics you could use to help your ads comply with the many laws, rules, regulations and guidelines that may affect your advertisements.

"10 Major Advertising Law-Related Concepts"

This article is a useful review of 10 key areas you should look at when you're reviewing your advertising to determine whether it's in compliance with the numerous laws, rules, regulations and guidelines that may affect your ads.