Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The current rule, summarized for quick review and linked back to the source when you need the full text.
Current rule summary
Plain-English answer
- All imported products entering the U.S. must be clearly marked in English with the country where they were made so that buyers know the product's origin. The country of origin is the place where the article was manufactured, produced, or grown. If an article undergoes substantial transformation in a second country (creating a new product with different name, character, and use), that second country becomes the country of origin instead.
Who it applies to
All sellers and importers offering foreign-made products in the United States
Key requirements
- Country of origin marking must be legible and in English on the article or its container
- The marking must clearly identify where the article was manufactured, produced, or grown
- Use "made in [country]" or "assembled in [country]" language when required to avoid confusion with other locality names on the product
- Country of origin can shift to a second country only if the article undergoes substantial transformation (becoming a new product with different name, character, and use) or meets applicable NAFTA or textile rules of origin
Why it matters
Failure to properly mark country of origin can result in CBP detention, fines, or seizure of shipments, and may violate consumer protection laws requiring transparency about product sourcing.
Source support
Short official text that grounds the summary above.
Acceptable Terminology and Methods for Marking Every article of foreign origin entering the United States must be legibly marked with the English name of the country of origin unless an exception from marking is provided for in the law.
SPECIAL NOTE:
This webpage is strictly about marking of country of origin on U. S. imports and is for general information purposes only. Reliance solely on this general information may not be considered reasonable care. Recognizing that many complicated factors may be involved in...
Related lines from the official page
Extra official context tied to this rule.
What is the purpose of marking?
To inform the ultimate purchaser in the United States of the country in which the imported article was made.
Who is the ultimate purchaser?
The ultimate purchaser is generally the last person in the United States who will receive the article in the form in which it was imported. If the article will be used in manufacture, the manufacturer or processor in the United States is the ultimate purchaser if the processing of the imported article results in a substantial transformation of the imported article, becomes a good of the United States under the NAFTA Marking Rules (19 CFR Part 102), or becomes a good of the United States under the textile rules of origin (19 CFR 102.21), as applicable.
What is meant by "country"?
Country means the political entity known as a nation. Colonies, possessions, or protectorates outside the boundaries of the mother country may be considered separate countries.
What is the country of origin?
The country of manufacture, production, or growth of the article.
Does altering the article in a second country change the country of origin?
The country of origin of an article may be changed in a secondary country if one of the following occurs:
- If the further work or material added to an article in the second country constitutes a substantial transformation. A substantial transformation occurs if a new article with a different name, character, and use is created.
For a good from a NAFTA country: if under the NAFTA Marking Rules (19 CFR Part 102) the second country is determined to be the country of origin of the good; or For an article considered to be a textile or apparel product (regardless of whether it is a good from a NAFTA country): if the country of origin is determined by the general rules set forth in 19 CFR Part 102.21 to be the second country. For purposes of determining whether a textile or apparel product is from Israel, the general rules in 19 CFR 12.130 apply. Is it necessary for the words made in or product of to precede the name of the country of origin?
- The phrase "made in" is required only in the case where the name of any locality other than the country or locality in which the article was manufactured appears on the article or its container and may mislead or deceive the ultimate purchaser. The marking "made in (country)" or other words of similar meaning must appear in close proximity to, and in comparable size letters of, the other locality to avoid possible confusion.
Use of the words "assembled in" may be used to indicate the country of origin of an article where the country of origin of the article is the country in which the article was finally assembled. "Assembled in" may be followed by the statement "from components of (the name of the country or countries of origin of all the components)."
Should the marking be of a particular size?
The marking must be legible. This means it must be of an adequate size, and clear enough, to be read easily by a person of normal vision.
Where should the marking be located?
The marking should be located in a conspicuous place. It need not be in the most conspicuous place, but it must be where it can be seen with a casual handling of the article. Markings must be in a position where they will not be covered or concealed by subsequent attachments or additions. The marking must be visible without disassembling the item or removing or changing the position of any parts.
How permanent must the marking be?
The article should be marked as indelibly and permanently as the nature of the product will permit. Marking that will not remain on the article during handling or for any other reason except deliberate removal is not a proper marking.