New Rules Target Sneaky 'Made in America' Advertising Lies
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
This new order makes sure companies tell the truth when they say their products are "Made in America." It mainly affects sellers and online marketplaces, pushing the FTC to crack down on fake claims and possibly create new rules to verify where products really come from. These changes aim to protect honest American businesses and shoppers, with enforcement starting soon and no direct costs announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Government Contractors Face Origin Checks
Agencies that oversee Government-wide contracts must periodically review and verify "Buy American Act", "Country of Origin USA", or similar American-origin claims for products bought under those contracts. Contractors found to misrepresent a product's American-origin status will have the products removed from government procurement availability and be referred to the Department of Justice, which may pursue actions under the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729 et seq.).
FTC to Prioritize 'Made in America' Enforcement
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must prioritize enforcement when sellers or manufacturers claim a product is "Made in America" but that claim may be false. The FTC may consult other agencies as needed to decide whether such claims are unfair or deceptive under the FTC Act; this direction appears in Executive Order 14392 signed March 13, 2026.
Marketplaces May Face Verification Rules
The FTC will consider proposing regulations that say an online marketplace's failure to establish procedures to verify country-of-origin claims may be an unfair or deceptive practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. This could lead to new verification requirements for marketplaces and sellers.
Agencies to Promote Voluntary U.S. Labeling
Agencies that oversee country-of-origin labeling are directed to consider regulations that promote voluntary country-of-origin labeling for products made or manufactured in the United States. Agencies should coordinate so American businesses get consistent guidance on voluntary labeling.
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Key Dates
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