‘Made in USA’ Label Dons a More Tailored Definition

The government spelled out Tuesday what it means by “all or virtually all” in mandating how much U.S. content a product must have to wear a “Made in USA” label.

The new Federal Trade Commission guidelines flesh out stringent standards decided on by the government last year for American-made products.

According to the commission, all significant parts and processing that go into the product must be of U.S. origin.

For example, a table lamp with an imported base carrying a “Made in USA” sticker would be deceptive because the base is a significant part of the product, the FTC said.

In another example, a company advertises a product invented in Seattle but manufactured abroad as “Created in the USA.” This language could deceive consumers into thinking the whole product is of U.S. origin, the commission said.

Companies do not have to receive the approval of the FTC before making a “Made in USA” claim. However, the commission does have authority to take action against false and unsubstantiated claims.

Copies of “Complying With the Made in USA Standard” are available from the FTC’s Web site at https://www.ftc.gov and from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20580 (phone: [202] 382-4357).