US regulator calls on Amazon, Walmart to crack down on false ‘Made in USA’ claims by online sellers
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Many companies have been accused by regulators or in private lawsuits of using imprecise labelling to induce shoppers to pay more.
PHOTO: BT FILE
NEW YORK – The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on July 8 called on Amazon.com and Walmart to crack down on third-party sellers that make deceptive “Made in USA” claims on the retailing giants’ online marketplaces.
In letters to Amazon and Walmart, the FTC said it had learnt of several instances where third-party sellers falsely claimed their products were made in the United States.
The FTC urged both companies to take “corrective action” against sellers whose “Made in USA” claims violate federal law and Amazon’s and Walmart’s codes of conduct.
Four smaller retailers also received FTC warning letters demanding they cease “Made in USA” claims unless they prove “all or virtually all” of the products in question are made domestically.
The four retailers are Oak Street Bootmakers in Chicago; Stand Flag Poles in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; football equipment maker Pro Sports Pads in Jacksonville, Florida, and medical products maker USA Big Mountain Paper, also in Jacksonville.
“Consumers want to have confidence that when they buy something labelled ‘Made in the USA’ they are actually supporting American workers and the American economy,” FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson said in a statement.
Walmart said in a statement it has “zero tolerance for noncompliant products from third-party sellers”, and upon identifying those products has them removed.
Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pro Sports Pads chief executive Joshua Baker said his company complies with labelling laws, and sent the FTC proof it makes Pro Gear Custom shoulder pads in Jacksonville from domestic materials.
The other companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Many companies have been accused by regulators or in private lawsuits of using imprecise labelling to induce shoppers to pay more, including through appeals to their patriotism.
In 2021, the FTC adopted a “Made in USA Labelling Rule” to protect businesses and consumers.
The agency later brought cases against kitchenware and home furnishings retailer Williams-Sonoma and Pyrex kitchenware maker Instant Brands, and said it obtained US$15.8 million (S$20.2 million) of judgments in 11 “Made in USA” enforcement actions between 2021 and 2024. REUTERS