WASHINGTON, DC, June 18, 1997 -Today, at a press conference hosted by U.S. Rep. Robert Franks, R-N.J., and John D. Dingell, D-Mich., the National Consumers League supported Congressional efforts to preserve the integrity of the "Made in USA" label.
The Federal Trade Commission plans to weaken "Made in USA" by allowing products with as little as 75 percent U.S. origin and labor to carry the "Made in USA" designation. Pushing for this lowering of the threshold are many industry groups who want to use "Made in USA" while reaping the benefits of overseas parts and labor. Currently, "Made in USA" may only be used on products with all or virtually all of its parts and labor originating in the U.S.
Last year, NCL submitted comments to the FTC which stressed the value many consumers place on the label and the need to preserve the integrity of "Made in USA" by maintaining the current definition. The comments were based on a 1996 survey where NCL members -- representing consumers around the country -- almost unanimously stated their desire to see the "Made in USA" identifier retained on products. Moreover, a majority indicated they find the identifier "frequently" or "always" meaningful when shopping.
These consumers generally expected high content in U.S. labor and U.S. parts when "Made in USA" is used. When asked what minimum percentages they think should be applied to the identifier, they consistently chose high percentages. Regarding labor, 70 percent of the respondents indicated they believed the labor should constitute 90 percent or above. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents indicated that parts should constitute 90 percent or above.
The NCL urges the FTC to maintain the current standards for "Made in USA." We believe that the higher definition is preferred among consumers who look for the label. Moreover, we believe that lowering the standard will result in misleading consumers.
NCL, as a member of the Made in USA Coalition, is encouraging its members and other consumers to take the following action:
-Call your Congressman in support of House Congressional Resolution 80 which calls for the FTC
to refrain from lowering the standard for "Made in USA."
-Call or write the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Washington, DC
20580; telephone: (202) 326-3013. Ask the FTC to not change the standard for "Made in
USA" labeling.