Under FTC rules, a product can be called Made in USA only if all or virtually all of it is made in the United States. A shirt made overseas and printed here is not Made in USA. Eco claims need to be specific, such as "made with 50% recycled polyester", rather than a general "eco-friendly".
Made in USA
The FTC standard is "all or virtually all": final assembly or processing, all significant processing and nearly all parts must be from the United States. The FTC's Made in USA Labeling Rule (2021) applies this standard to labels, including product listings online.
- Made in USA: all or virtually all U.S. content.
- Qualified claims, such as "Made in USA of U.S. and imported parts", must be accurate about the share of U.S. content.
- Assembled in USA: the main assembly happens in the U.S. and substantially transforms the product. Simple final assembly of imported parts does not qualify.
- Decorated in USA: printing or embroidery done here on an imported item. This is accurate to say, but the item is not Made in USA.
Eco-friendly claims
The FTC's Green Guides (16 CFR Part 260) say broad claims like "eco-friendly" or "green" are hard to back up and should be qualified with a specific benefit.
- Recyclable: only if recycling programs for it are available to at least 60% of the people who will receive it, or the claim is qualified.
- Recycled content: name the share, such as "made with 50% recycled polyester", and only for material diverted from the waste stream.
- Biodegradable or degradable: only if the item fully breaks down within one year after normal disposal. Most items sent to landfills do not.
How to source products you can describe accurately
- Ask for country of origin on the quote. We provide it on request.
- For recycled content, ask for the exact share and the material.
- Use the supplier's own claim wording on your materials, and keep the documentation.
- If a product claim matters to your program, tell us before we build the shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a shirt printed in the USA considered Made in USA?
- No. If the shirt was made overseas, it can be described as decorated or printed in the USA, but not Made in USA.
- What does Made in USA mean for promotional products?
- All or virtually all of the product, including its parts and processing, must come from the United States.
- Can I call a promotional product eco-friendly?
- The FTC advises against broad claims like that. State the specific benefit, such as recycled content and its percentage.
- Do you offer Made in USA promotional products?
- Yes, in several categories. Ask for Made in USA on your request and we will build the shortlist around it and confirm country of origin on the quote.