California Updates its ‘Made in America’ Law


2046417181_bb058ab0ef_z2Manufacturers in California will now have an easier time touting their products with the “made in America” label thanks to a new law passed by the Sunshine State.

There’s been a growing demand for products that are made here in the U.S. in recent years. As more and more people realize the negative economical impact of manufacturing products overseas, consumers have begun to seek products that were made in the U.S. Subsequently, this demand has prompted manufacturers to switch from overseas production to U.S.-based production factories.

But many states have laws regulating the highly prized “made in America” label. If a manufacturer fails to meet these requirements, it cannot legally place the label on its products. In an effort to ease the process for manufacturers, California has signed a new law into effect that will allow manufacturers to tout their products as “made in America,” as long as no more than 10% of the final product was produced overseas.

Introduced by Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo and Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee, Senate Bill 633 amends California’s current law regarding “made in America” labeling, giving a little more leeway to manufacturers.

So, why did Californian lawmakers feel the need to change the state’s original law. According to Jones, lawmakers have been working on the new law for roughly five years. The state’s previous law regarding the “made in America” label had restricted manufacturers ability to market their products, which in turn hurt California’s economy. This new law is believed to correct these issues by allowing manufacturers to promote their products in a more positive light.

The Legislature — after 5 years of working on this issue — has finally undone an overly burdensome regulation that has hurt California manufacturers since the 1960’s,” said assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee. “This onerous regulation was brought to my attention in 2010 by Vinturi, Inc, wine aerators made in Carlsbad, California. I’m pleased that Governor Brown signed this bill into law, allowing for manufacturers to market their products proudly displaying the ‘Made in America’ label.”

Do you agree with California’s new “made in America” labeling law?