Trade · Seller compliance · Online sellers
Made in USA claim rules: can you say it?
Answer three facts about your product and pick your wording to see whether the FTC standard supports an unqualified Made in USA claim.
An unqualified Made in USA claim needs final assembly or processing in the US, all significant processing in the US, and all or virtually all components made and sourced in the US (16 CFR 323.2).
Your answers
Result
Answer the questions and press Check.
Worked example
A candle maker pours and packs in Ohio but buys the wax and glass jars from overseas suppliers. Final assembly is in the US, yet the components are not made and sourced in the US, so the checker returns Do not use an unqualified "Made in USA". Switching the wording to a qualified claim moves it to a result that points the maker to the FTC guidance on truthful qualified claims.
Before you start
The checker asks: Does final assembly or processing happen in the US; Does all significant processing happen in the US; Are all or virtually all components made and sourced in the US; Which wording do you want to use. Have your supplier paperwork, specification sheet and draft listing copy open, because each answer maps to a specific rule quoted below.
The result gives a verdict, the reasons behind it with the rule text it relied on, and next steps. Where your answers leave a real gap, it says "check" instead of guessing. Nothing you type leaves your browser, so you can try different answers to see how the verdict changes.
What the official source says
- Unqualified claim: 16 CFR 323.2 says labeling a product Made in the United States violates the rule unless final assembly or processing occurs in the US, all significant processing occurs in the US, and all or virtually all ingredients or components are made and sourced in the US. Source: 16 CFR 323.
- Enforcement: 16 CFR 323.4 treats a violation as a violation of a rule under section 18 of the FTC Act, which is why civil penalties can follow.
- Scope: the rule covers labels, including product listings in mail order catalogs and on the internet. The FTC's business guide explains the standard and qualified claims: Complying with the Made in USA Standard.
- Other laws: textile, wool and fur products have their own origin labeling, so check those before relying on this answer.
All sources retrieved October 2026. Not covered: does not weigh how much foreign content is too much, decide what is significant processing for your industry, or check customs marking rules, which are separate from the FTC standard. Rules change; the linked page governs.
Frequently asked questions
What does Made in USA mean to the FTC?
For an unqualified claim, final assembly or processing and all significant processing in the US, with all or virtually all components made and sourced in the US.
Can I say Assembled in USA instead?
A qualified claim is outside the unqualified standard but must still be truthful and not mislead about U.S. content. Keep records supporting it.
Does the rule apply to my website listing?
Yes. 16 CFR 323 applies to labels, including product listings on the internet.
What is the penalty?
A violation is treated as a violation of an FTC trade regulation rule, so civil penalties can apply; the FTC sets the current amount each year.
Is this legal advice?
No. It applies the cited rule to your answers. Confirm with the FTC guidance or an attorney.
Not legal advice
This tool sorts the answers you enter against the regulator pages named on the page. It runs in your browser, stores nothing and does not decide your legal obligations. Rules change; confirm with the regulator or a qualified adviser.