FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning Connecticut Employees Union Independent, Local 511--P894219 Connecticut
Employees Union Independent
July 31, 1997 Donald S. Clark, Secretary Dear Secretary Clark: It is my understanding that the Federal Trade Commission in the document "Made in the USA Policy Comment" proposed to alter the criteria for allowing the use of "Made in USA" on product label and advertising. The proposed standard would allow manufactures to utilize "Made in USA" even if only 75 percent of its manufacturing costs are incurred in the United States. In some cases, under the proposed guidelines, even products made entirely from foreign components and with foreign labor could bear the "Made in USA" label. I am writing to state our firm opposition to this plan. A change of this nature would destroy the meaning and purpose of "Made in USA". People proudly purchase items made in the United States in order to support their neighbors and to keep needed jobs in the country. We must protect the integrity of "Made in USA" and not authorize the fraudulent use of the label. Furthermore, instead of allowing companies to misrepresent their products, we should be concerned with enforcing laws protecting the honesty of "Made in USA". I would very much appreciate your sharing with us your plans in this area and an explanation as to why you are recommending relaxing the standard when it would only encourage manufacturing interests to move their operations out of the United States. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely Bonnie Liedtke |