In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced stricter guidelines regarding claims of “Made in the USA.” This shift in regulation has had a significant impact on manufacturers across the country, and while Buckingham has adapted to these new rules, many competitors are still catching up. Let’s break down what’s happened and how it affects you.

Before the 2021 FTC update, companies had more flexibility in how they labeled their products. This resulted in some manufacturers using vague or even misleading origin claims. With the introduction of stricter FTC guidelines, these companies now face the challenge of aligning their practices with the new laws. While Buckingham has been working to meet the requirements, many other players in the industry may not yet be fully compliant, leading to potential discrepancies in labeling and product transparency.

The FTC’s updated regulations mandate that products claiming to be “Made in the USA” must meet stringent qualifications. In order to make this claim, a product must be sourced and manufactured almost entirely within the U.S. from materials that are also primarily sourced domestically. The guidelines apply to all stages of production, from raw materials to final assembly and packaging. These new rules set a clear standard for the entire industry, ensuring that “Made in the USA” labels have real meaning and reflect the truth about where products are made.

As the FTC continues to enforce these regulations, all manufacturers, including those that may have previously been less stringent, will have to adjust their practices. The time is coming when all companies will need to meet these same compliance standards—whether they’re ready or not. While Buckingham has worked to align with these new regulations, other manufacturers are still catching up and will be required to follow the same guidelines in the near future.

Buckingham’s approach to outsourcing is strategic and focused on providing the best value for our customers. While we manufacture the majority of our products here in the U.S., we do source certain components globally. However, these components are carefully chosen to meet the highest quality standards and ensure that they align with our commitment to safety and reliability. This careful outsourcing allows us to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring that every product we create meets the highest standards of quality and compliance. We believe this approach benefits both our customers and our business.

At Buckingham, we understand the immense value of American manufacturing. It’s not just about meeting regulations—it’s about supporting the U.S. economy, creating jobs, and ensuring that the products we make are of the highest possible quality. We pride ourselves on the skill and craftsmanship of our American workforce, and we welcome you to visit our facilities to see our manufacturing process firsthand. We’re passionate about what we do and are proud of the products we produce here in the U.S.

It’s important to emphasize that Buckingham’s commitment to quality and compliance hasn’t changed. The only shift is that the FTC regulations have become more stringent, and we have worked to ensure that our practices align with these new rules. While others in the industry may still be working to comply, Buckingham has already made the necessary adjustments, ensuring that our customers continue to receive the high-quality, compliant products they expect from us.