She thought she was buying ‘Made in the USA’ sheets but they were from China: here’s how to spot real American-made products
For many patriots, the idea of buying American products is very appealing, so you’ll want to be clear about what’s what.
Mary Schubart thought she’d done her homework. The Pottery Barn Teen mattress pads she ordered were advertised as “crafted in the USA” – perfect for her twins heading to college. But when they arrived, a tag on one pad read “Made in China.” Her disappointment wasn’t just patriotic... it was about safety and trust.
“I like the idea of buying to support the local economy,” she told CBS, “but my overriding concern was safer.”
Schubart reported the issue to Truth in Advertising, a watchdog nonprofit that had already flagged more than 800 examples of misleading “Made in the USA” claims on Williams Sonoma websites. That same year, the FTC fined Williams Sonoma over $3 million – the largest penalty ever for this kind of violation. The company blamed an “administrative mistake.”
What makes a product “Made in the USA”?
According to the Federal Trade Commission rule, adopted in 2021, bans companies from using the label unless final assembly, significant processing, and virtually all components are U.S.-made. It applies to both physical products and online or catalog sales, with violations treated as deceptive practices under federal law. Stricter state laws still apply, and businesses can petition for exemptions in limited cases.
If you’re trying to buy American-made, read the fine print. Look for precise language, and don’t trust vague phrasing. Better yet, go straight to the company’s website, or even call. Because sometimes even your patriotic sheets might come with a surprise tag from halfway across the world.
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