Made in USA vs. Assembled in USA: What's the Difference?
Origin labels sound similar but mean different things. Here is a plain-language guide.
Made in USA
Under the Federal Trade Commission's standard, an unqualified "Made in USA" claim generally means the product is all or virtually all made in the United States: final assembly or processing happens here, significant processing happens here, and few or no foreign parts or materials are included.
Assembled in USA
This usually means the product was put together in the United States, often from parts made elsewhere. It can be a fair claim, but it is not the same as Made in USA.
Designed in USA, and American brands
"Designed in USA" and "American company" describe where a product was designed or who owns the brand, not where it was manufactured.
How to check before you buy
- Read the manufacturer's website and look for specific statements about where products are made.
- Check the listing's product details for country of origin, and treat it as a clue rather than proof.
- Look for qualifiers such as "with imported materials."
- Ask the brand directly when it is unclear.
On American Storefront, only products with a documented source receive the Made in USA badge. See how it works.
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