InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023-24 10 Sometimes used as a political hot potato, the phrase “Made in the USA” tends to stir up patriotic, jingoistic fervor. But in fact, manufacturers who use the phrase to promote their products are under constant scrutiny from The Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Regardless of who controls the levers of power, each political party and its politicians running for office like to use the phrase – or a variation of it – to promote their support to the United States, its manufacturing base and its workers. The FTC is charged with preventing deception and unfairness and has the power to bring law enforcement actions against false or misleading claims that a product is of U.S. origin when it is not. Traditionally, the Commission required a product advertised as “Made in USA” be “all or virtually all” made in America. According to the FTC’s guidelines, only U.S. content must be identified on automobiles, textiles, wool and fur products, but no law requires most other products sold in the country be marked or labeled “Made in USA” or have disclosures about their U.S. content. That means manufacturers who use the phrase as a sales distinction to prey on Americans’ patriotism over foreign competitors that often drown the market with cheaper-made items. All about quality With that in mind, we sought out companies that use the slogan. We begin with Osmotik, a supplier of reverse osmosis membranes to the original equipment manufacturers of water purification systems. Osmotik CEO Mike Joulakian said it is important to emphasize “Made in the USA” because of quality. “Quality being the main issue, all of our products are made using state of the art manufacturing equipment and know how,” Joulaklan said. He acknowledged the Osmotik products “main component,” comprising Filmtec/Dupont material, is made in the United States. The Osmotik water purification systems require science, and because of that Joulakian rejects less expensive offerings that might come from China or countries in Africa, South America or Asia. “Having American ingenuity and experience for over four decades, enables us to manufacture products more efficiently than any third-world county,” Joulakian said. Despite his loyalty, he said the U.S. government could be more helpful. “Congress needs to enforce import laws and impose tariffs, and look into loopholes, so the playing field is level,” Joulakian said. He added, “Made in USA consistently is better quality than any import at extremely competitive pricing. We encourage all OEMs to check our products and pricing.” By Bruce christian More than a Slogan ‘Made in USA’ means quality, patriotism, family values
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