Few items except woolens, furs, textiles, and cars will be required by law to uncover their U.S. heritage. However, as any manufacturer opts to boast of a U.S. connection or having American made products, it has to comply with all federal regulations made to keep users from becoming misled.
There is proof that if not misled, users are at least confused. According to Consumer Reports, consumers flood them with email and letters searching for explanations as to the reason why, for instance, blueberries from the state of Oregon are identified as a Chilean product; and why an organization called Florida’s Natural will sell apple juice that has concentrate that comes from Brazil; and why pants that are made inside Vietnam will be labeled “active, authentic, American”; or why a tee shirt that has the phrase “Made in the” that is above the United States flag derives from Mexico.
Although perplexing, these types of pictures and words usually don’t violate rules which are issued by the FTC, an agency that is responsible for guarding users from deceptive or false product claims. The main factors in deciding if a “Made in the USA” claim is false, according to Laura Koss, FTC’s senior lawyer, are the claim’s context and if it is more than likely to mislead a reasonable user. Eventually, the line in between illegal and legal is decided by the impression that is planted in users’ minds.
As a business absolutely crosses the boundaries, the Federal Trade Commission’s main priority is ceasing the behavior, and not punishment. If an organization refuses, it’ll face, in theory, civil penalties. The FTC, in practice, has brought just a single civil penalty claim since the 1990s, and slapped tool manufacturer Stanley with a fine for $205,000 in 2006 that settled charges which involved the pedigree of its Zero Degree ratchets. (They said that these products were designed in America; however, the Federal Trade Commission noted that a lot of the content was foreign.)
Kinds of claims
Claims of “Made in the U.S.” may be “qualified” or “unqualified.” Unqualified will mean that “virtually all or all” substantial processing and parts are of United States origin. The item might contain a tiny quantity of foreign ingredients if they aren’t substantial—for instance, barbecue grill knobs. Businesses have to have the ability to document all claims.
For more information on our American Made Products contact Treasured Country Gifts at 610 856 1223.
