United StatesFTC would prioritize enforcement of false Made in America claims
The order directs the FTC to prioritize unlawful Made in America claims and consider marketplace rules, while agencies review claims in federal contracts.
What it does
The FTC must prioritize cases where Made in America or similar claims violate the law and may consult other agencies about the products involved.
The FTC must consider proposing rules that could treat an online marketplace’s failure to verify country-of-origin claims as an unfair or deceptive practice.
Agencies that oversee origin labels must consider rules supporting voluntary labels for products made in the United States and consistent guidance for businesses.
Agencies must periodically check American-origin claims in covered federal contracts. Products tied to misrepresentation must be removed from government purchasing and referred to the Justice Department.
Argument forMore consistent checks could help buyers avoid misleading origin claims and could protect businesses that manufacture products in the United States.
Argument againstConsidering new marketplace rules and adding contract checks could increase compliance work for sellers, marketplaces, contractors, and federal agencies.
More detail
The FTC shall prioritize enforcement cases involving unlawful Made in America or similar American-origin claims. The direction covers sellers and manufacturers that advertise products as made in the United States. The claim must violate applicable law, including laws against unfair or deceptive practices. The FTC may consult agencies with expertise about the products involved. Implementation must follow applicable law and available funding.
The FTC shall consider issuing proposed regulations about online marketplace verification procedures. The direction covers online marketplaces and claims about where products were made. The proposed rules could treat a marketplace’s failure to verify country-of-origin claims as an unfair or deceptive practice. Considering a proposal does not itself create or enforce new marketplace rules. Any action must follow the Federal Trade Commission Act and other applicable law.
Relevant agencies shall consider issuing regulations that promote voluntary American-origin labels. The direction covers agencies that oversee country-of-origin labeling and businesses seeking to use voluntary labels. The agencies must consult with the FTC chairman and coordinate for consistent guidance when appropriate. The order calls for voluntary labeling, not a blanket labeling requirement. Any rules remain subject to applicable law and available funding.
Federal agencies shall periodically review and verify American-origin claims in covered government contracts; agencies must remove misrepresented products from government purchasing and refer vendors to the Justice Department. The direction covers government-wide acquisition contracts, Multiple Award Schedule contracts, and other government-wide indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts. The products must be acquired through one of the covered government contracts. The vendor or contractor must have misrepresented the product’s American-origin status. The Justice Department may pursue an action under the False Claims Act; referral does not guarantee a lawsuit. Implementation is subject to applicable law and available funding. Agencies must conduct the reviews periodically, with no specific schedule stated.
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Where it stands
- Signed
- Published
History
- 2026
- Mar 18Published in the Federal RegisterPublished
- Mar 13Signed by President Donald TrumpSigned
Consumer ProtectionTradeGovernment & Ethics