What You Need to Know About Product Marking

If you have a great idea for a product or the research and development stages are well underway, it’s helpful to be aware of country of origin labeling requirements in the United States. Whether you already know where you plan to have your products manufactured or you’re still thinking about the options, we share an overview of mandatory labeling here. Considering contract manufacturing? The CaliBaja manufacturing team can walk you through the process, and your finished products will bear a “Made in Mexico” mark.

What Are Country of Origin Requirements?

You’ve probably noticed the “Made in (country of origin)” label on just about every product you purchase. The U.S. and other countries require this type of marking on most items, including but not limited to:

  • Apparel and textiles
  • Toys
  • Furniture
  • Electronic devices
  • Food packaging

In order to be compliant with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines, all products imported to the United States must carry this type of marking via a printed label, tag, adhesive label, or engraving. The product marking must be legible, placed in a visible area, and written in English.

How Is This Mark Determined?

Although country of origin marking may seem straightforward, you may be surprised by the requirements that must be taken into account. If the product is manufactured completely in one country, then the labeling is as simple as you’d expect. However, many items undergo a multi-step process using components from several different countries. For example, a shirt may be cut and sewn in Mexico with materials imported from China and Poland. To ensure proper compliance, be sure to speak with your customs broker to determine the appropriate marking.

Manufacturing overseas can be a complicated process, especially when your supply chain partner uses materials imported from other countries. When your goal is to simplify the process, consider contract manufacturing in Mexico. All items produced by the CaliBaja manufacturing team will hold the “Made in Mexico” mark, although the variation will depend upon what you and your customs broker decide. Ready to learn more about contract manufacturing? We’d love to help. Located in Mexicali, our expansive locations have the capabilities to manufacture a plethora of products spanning many industries. With a strong emphasis on high-level training, our 1,000+ employees are adept at handling your project skillfully and efficiently. Our goal is to provide our clients with a stress-free, uncomplicated experience, so please contact us to get started. During our initial consultation, we’ll learn more about your project and determine if we’re the right fit before proceeding.

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