Petition to Mandate Online Vendors in the USA to Include Country of Manufacture Information

To: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), United States Congress, and Department of Commerce

Subject: Enforcing Transparent Product Labeling by Requiring Online Vendors to Display Country of Manufacture

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the United States Congress to mandate that all online vendors clearly display the country of manufacture for all products sold on their platforms. This requirement should align with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) labeling requirements to ensure transparency, promote consumer rights, and strengthen fair trade practices.

Background

Under current U.S. regulations, products sold in physical stores are required to display their country of origin, enabling consumers to make informed decisions. However, online retail platforms often lack this same transparency, leaving consumers unaware of where products are manufactured. This inconsistency undermines consumer rights and creates a disparity between online and in-store shopping experiences.

Moreover, the FTC and CBP already have clear guidelines for “Made in USA” and other origin claims, which require honesty and accuracy in labeling. Expanding these requirements to e-commerce platforms is a natural step in adapting to modern retail practices.

Why This Matters

 1. Transparency and Consumer Rights

Consumers have the right to know where the products they purchase are made. This knowledge empowers them to align purchasing decisions with personal values, such as supporting local industries or ensuring compliance with labor and environmental standards.

 2. Level Playing Field for Domestic Manufacturers

Requiring online vendors to disclose country of origin supports domestic manufacturers who adhere to U.S. labor, environmental, and safety standards. Transparent labeling enables fair competition and helps American businesses thrive in a global marketplace.

 3. Public Health and Safety

Informed purchasing decisions are critical for public health. Certain countries have varying safety and quality standards, and consumers need the ability to assess the origin of products, particularly for goods such as food, medicine, and electronics.

 4. Adherence to Existing Legal Standards

CBP already mandates country of origin markings on imported goods, and the FTC regulates “Made in USA” claims. Extending these rules to online vendors ensures consistency and upholds existing laws in the e-commerce landscape.

Proposed Action

We call on the FTC, Congress, and relevant regulatory agencies to:

 1. Mandate that all online vendors selling to U.S. consumers display the country of manufacture for each product in a clear and visible manner, consistent with CBP and FTC labeling requirements.

 2. Enforce penalties for non-compliance to deter false or misleading claims.

 3. Establish a grace period for implementation, providing vendors with adequate time to update product listings.

Conclusion

The rise of e-commerce has transformed how Americans shop, and regulatory practices must evolve accordingly. Mandating country-of-origin disclosure for online vendors ensures transparency, protects consumer rights, and supports ethical trade.

We urge policymakers to act swiftly in implementing this mandate for the benefit of American consumers and businesses alike.