wilbilt62

I worked as a mechanic for many years and went round and round with Customs and the FTC regarding country of origin labeling on hand tools. Many manufacturers were offshoring production and doing their best to hide this fact from their customers. In most cases, the product of origin label can be on a tag or on the packaging containing the item, but it must be easy to find and clearly legible (not in microscopic print hidden on the back of the packaging). Certain items must be permanently marked on the item itself, by stamping, etching, engraving, etc. These include pliers, nippers, wire cutters and others. Many manufacturers, including the biggest names in the tool business, blatantly ignored the requirements (and still do). People would buy tools based on the brand name believing they were only buying 'Made in USA'. I contacted Customs Enforcement and was directed to the FTC. During correspondence, I provided many examples of these products that were manufactured 'elsewhere' yet had no labeling whatsoever indicating that fact. FTC couldn't understand why I was concerned and said they would take my examples 'under advisement'. Title 19, Part 134 of the CFR details country of origin labeling requirements. Scroll down to 134.43 for a list of items that must be permanently so marked. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-134

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