Short answer: in the United States, an unqualified “Made in USA” claim means the product is all or virtually all made in the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sets and enforces that standard.
Who sets the “Made in USA” standard?
The Federal Trade Commission enforces truth-in-advertising law for U.S.-origin claims. Its business guide, Complying with the Made in USA Standard, explains how marketers should make them.
What does “all or virtually all” mean?
All significant parts, processing and labor that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. The product should contain no foreign content, or only a negligible amount. The FTC looks at factors such as how much of the cost is U.S.-based and how far removed any foreign content is from the finished product.
What about “Assembled in USA”?
“Assembled in USA” is a qualified claim. It can be used when a product is substantially transformed through assembly in the U.S., even with imported components. It does not mean “Made in USA.”
What are qualified claims?
Claims like “Made in USA of U.S. and imported parts” tell shoppers that some content is foreign. They must be truthful and specific.
What is the 2021 Labeling Rule?
The FTC’s Made in USA Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 323) has been in effect since August 2021. It codifies the “all or virtually all” standard for “Made in USA” claims on labels, including mail-order and online catalog claims, and allows civil penalties for violations.
How does this site apply the standard?
We rely on what the maker publicly states and link to that source. Some makers word their claims more precisely, for example “made in the USA with global components” or “with domestic and imported materials.” We repeat that wording on the product page rather than simplifying it. See how we verify.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Sources: FTC, Complying with the Made in USA Standard; 16 CFR Part 323.