FTC Made in USA Requirements (in Plain English)

An Easy Guideline to Understanding What “Made in USA” Labeling Rules Really Mean

A plain-English explanation of the FTC’s Made in USA standards, labeling rules, and what they mean for shoppers and brands.

You’ve seen it stamped on boxes, printed on hang tags, and stitched into clothing labels: Made in the USA. Those three little words carry a lot of pride and meaning, but they also come with very specific legal standards. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), not every product that appears to be American-made actually qualifies for that label.

This guide explains those FTC Made in the USA requirements in plain English. No legal jargon, no confusion, just straightforward answers for shoppers and small U.S. brands who care about honesty, quality, and craftsmanship.

✅ On This Page, You’ll Find:

What the FTC’s Made in the USA rules really require
The difference between Made in the USA, Assembled in the USA, and Made with global materials
Common labeling misunderstandings
How Made in the USA Matters interprets and applies these standards
Simple ways to spot authentic American-made products

🇺🇸 Perfect For:

Shoppers who want to buy genuine American-made products
Consumers trying to decode product labels and claims
Small brands that want to communicate truthfully and build trust
Anyone who believes Made in the USA still matters

The phrase “Made in the USA” carries pride, craftsmanship, and confidence in what you’re buying. Behind those words are federal requirements that keep the label honest. Understanding what the FTC expects from brands helps consumers make informed choices and ensures that “Made in the USA” continues to represent genuine American quality.

Understanding the FTC’s Role in “Made in the USA” Claims

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the U.S. agency that regulates advertising claims, including “Made in the USA.”

That means they decide when a company can legally use that label, ensuring that consumers aren’t misled and that vague or false claims don’t undercut honest American manufacturers.

In 2021, the FTC adopted the Made in USA Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 323), which formally codified its long-standing enforcement principles.

📖 Official Resources:

This article is based on the FTC’s official guide, “Complying with the Made in USA Standard.” The goal here is to summarize that guide in plain English so shoppers, small businesses, and anyone passionate about buying American-made can understand precisely what “Made in USA” on a label really means.

What Counts as “Made in the USA”

When a product says Made in the USA without any qualifiers (like “with imported materials”), the FTC requires it to be “all or virtually all” made in the United States.

That means:

The significant parts and processing must be of U.S. origin.
Final assembly or manufacturing must occur in the U.S.
Only a negligible amount of foreign content is acceptable.

If a product doesn’t meet those strict standards, it must use a qualified claim, such as “Made in USA with global materials,” or “Assembled in USA.”

Qualified claims must still be truthful, specific, and not misleading. A label can’t overstate how much U.S. content or labor went into a product. The FTC expects brands to be transparent about which parts of their processes actually take place in the U.S.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Claim Type	What It Means	Example
Made in USA	All or virtually all materials, processing, and labor are U.S.-based.	Cast iron skillet made entirely in Tennessee.
Assembled in USA	Final assembly or significant processing occurs in the U.S., using mostly imported parts.	Electronic device assembled in Ohio with imported chips.
Made in USA with Global Materials	Components come from various countries, but meaningful U.S. labor or production is involved.	Apparel sewn in North Carolina with imported cotton.
Designed in USA	Concept or design work done domestically, but manufacturing happens overseas.	A tech accessory designed in California but made abroad.

The FTC Made in USA Labeling Rule makes it illegal to use unqualified “Made in USA” claims on product labels unless the product is “all or virtually all” made in the United States. Violations can now trigger significant civil penalties.

Common Misunderstandings About “Made in the USA”

The FTC looks at the overall “net impression” of an ad or label. Even if a company doesn’t literally say “Made in USA,” using American flags or phrases like “American Quality” can imply a U.S. origin claim. If that impression is misleading, it can violate FTC rules.

Even honest brands can unintentionally mislead consumers. Here are a few things many people get wrong about Made in the USA labeling:

❌ Final touches aren’t enough.
Adding a button, handle, or sticker in the U.S. doesn’t qualify as manufacturing.

❌ Assembling imported parts ≠ fully American-made.
Unless the parts and processing are almost entirely U.S.-based, the claim must include a qualifier.

❌ A “U.S. address” doesn’t mean it’s made here.
Some imported products list a U.S. distributor, creating confusion. Always check for the specific Made in USA statement.

❌ Packaging doesn’t count.
Printing a U.S. flag on a box doesn’t make the product itself American-made.

✅ Pro tip: Real American-made products are usually proud to tell their story. Look for detailed transparency about where and how they’re made.

🚩 Related Reading: Fake “Made in USA” Advertising

Shoppers can be fooled by clever marketing. Words like “American Brand” or images of flags, maps, and eagles can create the illusion of U.S. manufacturing when the product is imported.

✅ Did you know? The FTC and U.S. Customs & Border Protection have different roles in determining origin.

CBP enforces physical country-of-origin markings on imported goods.
FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules for “Made in USA” marketing claims.
A product may legally say “Made in USA” under one regime but still require “Made in [country]” marking under another.

While the FTC governs marketing claims, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees country-of-origin markings for imports. CBP applies a “last substantial transformation” test, meaning a product’s origin is based on where it last underwent a significant manufacturing change. For imported goods assembled in the U.S., this test helps determine whether the final product may be legally considered U.S.-made.

How Made in the USA Matters Interprets the FTC Guidelines

At Made in the USA Matters, we apply the spirit of the FTC’s rule — honesty, transparency, and respect for American manufacturing — to how we list and describe brands.

We feature:

Products truly made or significantly assembled in the U.S.
Brands that still maintain meaningful U.S. manufacturing operations.
Companies that clearly disclose when production is mixed or evolving.

When information is limited, we use editorial judgment to help readers make informed choices, especially in categories where very few products are still made here. For example, if only one or two brands still assemble part of their product line in the U.S., we’ll note that clearly so you can choose the most American-made option available.

👉 Learn more: Editorial Policy & Made in USA Criteria

How to Spot a Genuine “Made in the USA” Product

Here are a few quick ways to tell if a brand’s claim really holds up:

Read the fine print.
Look for phrases like “Made in USA with global materials” or “Assembled in USA.” If it’s qualified, it’s not 100% domestic, but it still supports U.S. labor.
Check the company’s website.
Most brands include a “Manufacturing,” “Sourcing,” or “About” page detailing production.
Look for product-level details.
Some brands make multiple lines, one domestic, one imported. Verify the exact product before buying.
Search the FTC complaint database.
The FTC publicly lists companies fined for false “Made in USA” claims.
Use trusted directories.
Our Made in the USA Product Directory includes verified listings reviewed for accuracy. In the spirit of the FTC rule, we make every effort to note global sourcing and mixed production details whenever applicable and available.

For Small Brands & Makers

Consumers don’t expect perfection. They expect truth. The more open you are, the stronger your credibility and the easier it is for directories like Made in the USA Matters to feature you confidently.

Keep documentation proving your sourcing and production, and when in doubt, qualify your claim (e.g., “Made in USA with imported fabric”).

✅ Did you know? The FTC typically enforces Made in USA violations through complaints, investigations, and settlements. It doesn’t routinely inspect all labels. Most cases start with consumer reports, competitor complaints, or media attention.

Recent FTC Enforcement: False or Misleading “Made in USA” Claims

The FTC has taken action against several well-known brands that falsely advertised or labeled products as Made in the USA. These cases demonstrate that misleading claims, whether intentional or careless, carry real consequences.

Here are some examples:

⚖️ Williams-Sonoma (2020)
Misleading “Made in USA” claims on specific product lines, including furniture and bakeware. $1 million settlement, plus an order to stop deceptive claims and make clear product disclosures.
📖 FTC Press Release

⚖️ Pyrex / Instant Brands (2023)
Continued marketing glass measuring cups as “Made in USA” even after shifting production to China. $129,416 judgment and refunds totaling more than $88,000 issued to over 10,000 consumers.
📖 FTC Case Summary

⚖️ Williams-Sonoma (2024)
Repeated violations of prior FTC orders by advertising imported products as “Made in USA.” Record-setting $3.175 million civil penalty, plus compliance requirements and monitoring.
📖 FTC Press Release

⚖️ Kubota North America (2024)
Labeled imported tractor parts as “Made in USA.” $2 million civil penalty and mandatory disclosure updates for all affected product lines.
📖 FTC Announcement

⚖️ Chaucer / Bates Accessories (2023)
Marketed belts, bags, wallets, and shoes as “Hand Crafted in USA” despite imported materials. $191,481 monetary judgment, labeling restrictions, and new disclosure requirements.
📖 FTC Enforcement Notice

⚖️ Old Southern Brass / ExotoUSA (2024)
Falsely claimed U.S. manufacturing and misused veteran affiliation statements. Ordered to stop deceptive labeling and clarify all future U.S.-origin claims.
📖 FTC Case Summary

⚖️ Cycra, Inc. (2023)
Promoted motocross and ATV parts as “Made in USA” while importing major components. Subject to consent order, required labeling corrections, and verified claim reviews.
📖 FTC Release

⚖️ Electrowarmth Products, LLC (2022)
Sold heated mattress pads labeled “Made in USA” though they were imported. FTC finalized order prohibiting future misleading U.S. origin claims.
📖 FTC Enforcement Notice

⚖️ Made in USA Brand, LLC (2014)
Marketed a deceptive “Made in USA” certification seal that misled consumers and brands. FTC required withdrawal of the seal and full correction of certification practices.
📖 FTC Legal Library

✅ Key Takeaway: Since the 2021 Made in USA Labeling Rule, enforcement has intensified. The FTC now has the authority to issue civil penalties for false or unqualified claims, with fines reaching millions of dollars. These cases serve as a reminder that “Made in USA” is not just a marketing phrase. It’s a legal standard meant to protect consumers and honest American manufacturers.

Why the FTC Rule Matters

The FTC’s Made in the USA rule protects more than just buyers. It protects the meaning behind “Made in USA”.

When companies follow these standards, consumers can trust what they buy, and manufacturers who invest in U.S. jobs get the recognition they deserve.

At Made in the USA Matters, we believe the FTC’s rule is more than a compliance checklist. It’s a reminder that transparency builds trust, and that honest labeling helps retain the value of American craftsmanship.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions About FTC “Made in USA” Standards

Understanding what qualifies as “Made in the USA” can be confusing, especially when the rules involve legal definitions, marketing claims, and FTC oversight. This FAQ answers the most common questions we hear from both consumers and small brands.

Whether you’re wondering how to verify if something is truly made in the United States, what penalties apply for false labeling, or how the Federal Trade Commission enforces these standards, you’ll find clear, straightforward answers here—no legal jargon.

Understanding “Made in the USA” Labeling

Q: What’s the difference between “Made in USA” and “Made in the USA”?
A: There’s no legal difference between the two. Both phrases mean the same thing under FTC guidelines, that a product is “all or virtually all” made in the United States. The choice to include “the” is simply a matter of style or branding. Some manufacturers use “Made in USA” because it fits better on labels, while others spell it out as “Made in the USA.” Either way, what matters is whether the claim meets the FTC’s standard for American-made content, not the wording itself.

Q: Are American-made products required to be labeled “Made in USA”?
A: No. Companies aren’t required to label products as Made in the USA. However, if they choose to make that claim, it must meet FTC requirements and be truthful and substantiated.

Q: Does Made in USA labeling require FTC approval?
A: No pre-approval process exists. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) doesn’t issue certifications or pre-approve claims, but it does enforce the rules if a company misleads consumers.

Q: Can a product be “Made in USA” certified?
A: There’s no official FTC “Made in USA” certification. Some private organizations offer third-party seals, but those aren’t government-issued and vary in credibility. Always verify the source of any certification mark.

Verifying American-Made Products

Q: How can I verify if a product is made in the USA?
A: Check for a clear “Made in USA” statement on the product or packaging. Look for supporting details on the brand’s website about manufacturing and sourcing. For extra assurance, search the FTC’s enforcement database or use verified directories like our Made in the USA Product Directory that researches brands before listing them.

Q: Is it illegal to say “Made in USA” if a product isn’t made in the United States?
A: Yes. Making false or misleading Made in USA claims violates federal law and can lead to significant penalties. The FTC treats these cases as deceptive advertising under the FTC Act.

Q: Can I say my product is made in the USA?
A: Yes, if it meets the FTC’s “all or virtually all” standard. That means nearly every component, process, and labor step must occur in the U.S. If your product includes imported materials, qualify your claim (e.g., “Made in USA with global materials”).

FTC Enforcement and Penalties

Q: Does the FTC enforce Made in USA rules?
A: Yes. The FTC investigates and enforces false or misleading origin claims. It has the authority to issue civil penalties, injunctions, and consent orders to prevent repeat violations.

Q: Can a brand face penalties for deceptive Made in USA labeling?
A: Absolutely. Companies found guilty of false claims can face fines, mandatory corrective advertising, and legal restrictions on future claims.

Q: What are the penalties for false Made in USA claims?
A: The FTC’s Made in USA Labeling Rule authorizes civil penalties for each violation, with the maximum amount adjusted annually for inflation (currently over $50,000 per violation). In addition to fines, the FTC can require companies to issue public corrections or disclosures to rebuild consumer trust and prevent further deception.

Q: How does the FTC find brands falsely claiming to be Made in the USA?
A: The FTC investigates through consumer complaints, competitor reports, watchdog groups, and its own monitoring. It also reviews advertising, packaging, and websites for misleading claims.

About the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Q: Who created the FTC?
A: The Federal Trade Commission was established by the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914, signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson.

Q: Why was the FTC created?
A: The FTC was founded to protect consumers and promote fair competition by preventing deceptive or unfair business practices.

Q: Where is the FTC headquartered?
A: The FTC’s headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Q: Who runs the FTC?
A: The Federal Trade Commission is led by five Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. No more than three Commissioners may belong to the same political party.

Q: How is the FTC funded?
A: The FTC is funded through Congressional appropriations. Its budget supports consumer protection, competition enforcement, and education initiatives.

Additional Helpful FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between “Made in America” and “Made in the USA”?
A: “Made in the USA” refers explicitly to products made in the United States of America. “Made in America” can technically include any country in North, Central, or South America, making it a loose and sometimes misleading term.

Q: What’s an “implied claim”?
A: An implied claim suggests U.S. origin without directly saying so; for example, using American flags, eagles, or maps on packaging. These visuals can still trigger the FTC’s Made in USA rule if they mislead consumers.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the FTC Made in the USA requirements helps all of us, shoppers, small businesses, and manufacturers, make smarter choices. The rule protects consumers from misleading claims and keeps the meaning of “Made in the USA” rooted in integrity and truth.

Whether you’re verifying a label, designing packaging, or simply buying American-made products, knowing the basics of the FTC standard ensures the phrase continues to stand for quality, transparency, and pride in American craftsmanship.

🇺🇸 When you see “Made in the USA,” you deserve to know it’s the real thing.

💬 What do you think about the FTC’s Made in USA rules? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Your insight helps other shoppers make confident, informed choices.

📖 Official FTC Reference: Complying with the Made in USA Standard – FTC.gov
👉 Learn more: Editorial Policy & Made in USA Criteria
👉 Related reading: Who We Are | Made in the USA Matters