Federal Trade Commission Reinforces “Made in USA” Advertising Standards
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a strong reminder to companies across all sectors regarding the critical importance of adhering to the “Made in USA” standard for their product labeling and advertising. This proactive communication, published on July 8, 2025, serves as a vital alert to businesses about their responsibilities in ensuring accurate representation of product origin to consumers.
The FTC’s “Made in USA” standard, a long-standing policy, stipulates that all or virtually all of a product must be manufactured in the United States. This includes all significant parts, components, and labor. The commission’s renewed emphasis on this directive underscores its commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive marketing practices and to supporting American manufacturers and workers.
This announcement from the FTC highlights several key areas of focus for businesses:
- Unqualified “Made in USA” Claims: Companies are reminded that making an unqualified “Made in USA” claim is permissible only when the product meets the “all or virtually all” standard. This means that no or negligible foreign content should be present in the product.
- Qualified Claims: For products where only some parts or processing are domestic, companies must use clear and specific qualifications. For example, claims like “Made in USA of Imported Parts” or “Assembled in USA” are permissible, but only if they accurately reflect the product’s manufacturing process and composition.
- Enforcement and Penalties: The FTC has reiterated its authority to investigate and take enforcement action against companies found to be in violation of these standards. Such actions can result in significant penalties, including fines and injunctions.
- Consumer Trust: Accurate “Made in USA” labeling is fundamental to building and maintaining consumer trust. Consumers often rely on these claims when making purchasing decisions, seeking to support domestic industries or to ensure a certain standard of quality. Misleading claims erode this trust and can harm both consumers and honest businesses.
The FTC’s proactive warning is designed to encourage businesses to review their current labeling and advertising practices to ensure full compliance. It serves as an opportunity for companies to self-audit and make any necessary corrections to avoid potential legal repercussions.
By reinforcing the “Made in USA” requirements, the Federal Trade Commission aims to uphold fair competition, empower consumers with truthful information, and ultimately strengthen the landscape for American-made products. Businesses are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the FTC’s guidance on this matter and to prioritize transparency and accuracy in their marketing efforts.
Federal Trade Commission Warns Companies to Comply with “Made in USA” Requirements
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