Imported products are required to be marked with their country of origin. Countries of origin are where products were manufactured, produced or grown.

This is necessary as a Customs requirement to keep the process efficient, since it makes it obvious if a good can legally be imported. It also provides statistics on imported goods to analyze the market and trade balance.

Customs regulations require that every foreign product entering the U.S. must be labeled in English, with the country of origin. The markings must be “clearly and visibly located on the product” and “written legibly and permanently.”

There are exceptions though!

• Products not intended for resale
• Incapable of being marked (ex: extremely small)
• Manufactured or produced more than 20 years ago
• Crude substances
• Products that would be ruined if directly marked on (ex: fruit, product, etc.)

The packaging must still be marked with the country of origin though if it is exempt from direct labeling. An example would be the crate or box containing the fruits or vegetables.

Make sure to have your supplier mark and label your products, or you, as the importer, may face penalties, and even face the possibility of the product getting rejected and re-exported out of the country!

Our team at BOA are ready to assist you in finding solutions for all of your product transportation needs!