Annin Flagmakers' President Calls on Jeff Bezos to Enforce U.S. Textile Labeling Laws

The American flag is a sacred symbol of the heart and history of our great nation. Many consumers purposefully purchase American-made ensigns to support U.S. companies and workers. However, online retailers like Amazon are taking advantage of this sentiment, often advertising products as "Made in the U.S.A." even when they're not. 

Authentic U.S. flag makers like Annin Flagmakers are tired of losing business to these dishonest practices. They're stepping up and urging the CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, to put a stop to this fraudulent activity on his platform. Keep reading to learn why this motion is so important and how you can join in on the efforts. You can read the full transcript of the letter on Carrot-Top Industries.  

How Amazon Sellers Are Misleading Consumers 

In 1960, the government passed the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA), which puts regulations on textile labeling within the U.S. It requires businesses to clearly label the fiber content on their products. Under the law, businesses must follow specific guidelines, including: 

• Country of origin – Retailers must state the country where the product was processed or made. 
• Advertising – Advertisers cannot make misleading claims about their textile fiber products. 
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• Fiber content – Products must be labeled with the percentages and generic names of their textiles. 
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• Manufacturer – Retailers must list the name of the marketer or manufacturer.  

If a business deceptively or falsely labeled, invoiced, or advertised textile products or failed to attach the required labeling, the products were considered misbranded.  

Unfortunately, when the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA) was enacted, online marketplaces didn’t exist, leaving gaps in enforcement. However, rather than operating in a gray area, many retailers on Amazon are finding loopholes or outright violating the law by falsely claiming their products are made in the U.S.A. These deceptive practices not only mislead consumers but also break the law. 

Some examples include: 

• They use misleading wording like "Genuine U.S. flag" or "U.S. company" to make their product appear like it's made in America. 
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• They make small modifications to a flag produced in another country and then label it "Made in America." 
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• They sell genuine American-made flags at a significant markup and claim they're of a higher quality than they truly are. 
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• They advertise their product as “made in the U.S.A.” when it is, in fact, imported.  
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• They send consumers products with no tags or labels, making it harder to verify the country of origin.  

While having one or two retailers exploit these loopholes would be frustrating for American businesses, the sheer number that are using these fraudulent practices is devastating. Every month, Amazon sells more than 100,000 flags that claim to be made in the U.S.A. but are actually made in China. Every single one of these products violates the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and robs American businesses of over $1.5 million dollars in sales. 

American consumers deserve to know the truth about their flag's country of origin. When we make purchases from a company like Amazon, we trust its products are clearly labeled and not counterfeit. By allowing these misleading practices to continue, Amazon and other online retailers lose consumer trust and credibility.  

However, it's not just the consumer who suffers from this fraudulent activity. When customers unknowingly purchase foreign-made goods, U.S. manufacturers like Annin Flagmakers face unfair competition. Misleading product listings on Amazon hurt the U.S. economy, taking money and jobs away from hardworking Americans. They prey upon those specifically seeking American-made flags and textiles and siphon their business to foreign companies.  

Annin Flagmakers and Other Industry Leaders Unite to Demand Transparency in Online Marketplaces 

Annin Flagmakers is a six-generation, family-owned and operated company. Since 1847, they've crafted high-quality flags in America, building a business on integrity, honor, and pride.  

Annin employs over 500 flag makers with factories in IL, PA, OH, and VA, making it one of the largest American-made flag companies in the nation. Annin, along with other members of the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA,) is taking up the fight against falsely labeled flags on Amazon to protect the over 1500 American workers who are negatively impacted by these fraudulent labeling practices. Their commitment to transparency, quality, and protecting American manufacturing is the driving force behind the pursuit of accountability. 

In an effort to combat counterfeit activity, they sent a letter to Jeff Bezos, requesting Amazon to enforce compliance with U.S. labeling laws. Annin and the FMAA call for increased accountability for third-party sellers and advocate for greater consumer protection. Within the letter, Carter Beard, the president of Annin Flagmakers, states, "We have tried for years now to get action to stop such brands from breaking the labeling laws and stealing sales from our network of dealers, the national chains, and other law-abiding sellers on Amazon...Mr. Bezos, please save the US flag industry and our thousands of jobs."  

Annin Flagmakers' fight against fraudulent labeling has gained strong support from the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which has formally endorsed their letter to Jeff Bezos. As the leading trade association representing the U.S. textile industry, NCTO recognizes the severe impact that deceptive labeling has on American manufacturers and workers. 

"The industry stands united in supporting this letter from Annin Flagmakers and the entire flag industry," said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. "It is imperative that Amazon and other online marketplaces act immediately to stop illegal labeling and deceptive advertising by Chinese companies that are duping American consumers who take pride in displaying authentic American-made flags." 

The backing of the NCTO, proves the issues extends beyond the flag industry – it affects the entire U.S. textile sector, jeopardizing jobs and consumer trust. The collective call to action is clear: Amazon must take responsibility for ensuring transparency and fairness in its marketplace. 

So, what steps can consumers take to join the fight against unfair consumer practices?  

The Need for Action: What Consumers Can Do to Protect U.S. Manufacturing 

To stand up against fraudulent flag labeling and protect yourself from wasting your hard-earned money on lesser-quality, foreign-made products, you can do the following. 

Purchase from FMAA-certified retailers like Carrot-Top 

The FMAA takes its commitment to American-made flags seriously. To be an FMAA-certified Made in America retailer, companies must meet strict requirements, including: 

• Being a U.S. business that distributes and produces U.S. flags, 
• Comply with all FTC and U.S. Customs labeling requirements, 
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• Provide country of origin certificates on all raw materials to suppliers, 
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• Use 100% U.S.-made materials,
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• Ensure every step in the flag production is done in America. 
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By purchasing your American flag from an FMAA-certified retailer like Carrot-Top, you have confidence knowing you’re supporting U.S. businesses. 

Educate others on the importance of these issues 

Mislabeled American flags rob millions of dollars from U.S. businesses every month. Unfortunately, many well-meaning consumers unknowingly contribute to these fraudulent practices. By educating others about these issues and why they're so important, you can help fight against counterfeit sales and hold online retailers like Amazon accountable for their seller's activities.  

To help educate customers on the issue of fraudulent make in the U.S.A. flags, download and share Annin’s letter to Jeff Bezos. 

Support the "Make American Flags in America Act" 

The "Make American Flags in America Act" (H.R. 4137) has been reintroduced to the 119th Congress. If passed, it will: 

• Require all U.S. flags on federal property to be 100% made in the U.S.A. 
• Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to strengthen country-of-origin labeling laws to prevent deceptive practices. 

This bill is crucial to protecting U.S. jobs and ensuring that flags flown on federal property are truly American-made. To help get it passed, contact your representative and share information about the bill to spread awareness. 

Buy Your American Flags from Carrot-Top Flags 

Carrot-Top is proud to offer FMAA-certified American-made U.S. flags. Our stunning flags are crafted from the finest materials, with vibrant colors, durable stitching, and exceptional attention to detail. Confidently support American-made with Carrot-Top. Shop today!