Made in USA Claims: What Actually Works
Rules for claiming products are made in the United States on packaging, labels and marketing.
Priya Raghunathan
Why does it matter?
The FTC enforces a strict standard for Made in USA claims, and violations can bring civil penalties.
What are the numbers?
- Standard unqualified claims require all or virtually all of the product to be made in the US
- Labeling Rule the FTC's Made in USA Labeling Rule took effect in 2021
- Qualified claims must clearly explain foreign content
- Penalties violations of the rule can bring civil penalties
What should I do?
- Document where every significant part is made
- Use qualified claims where needed
- Review claims across packaging and websites
- Update claims when suppliers change
- Get legal review for borderline cases
What should I avoid?
Avoid:
- Unqualified claims with foreign parts
- Flag imagery implying US origin
- Outdated claims after sourcing changes
- Vague qualifications
When should I get help?
Short answer Bring in help before making origin claims.
Where this comes from
- Federal Trade Commission — Complying with the Made in USA Standard
- Federal Trade Commission — Made in USA Labeling Rule
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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