In an exciting and patriotic move, the U.S. government just passed the All-American Flag Act, which requires all government agencies to only purchase American flags that are made in the U.S. from domestic materials. This decision is a huge step forward in supporting the American economy and helps ensure all official ensigns are crafted to the highest quality standards. Let's explore what the All-American Flag Act means for our country and how government agencies can comply with these new regulations. 

What is the All-American Flag Act? 

On July 30, 2024, the All-American Flag Act was signed into law. A bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Sherrod Brown, the bill requires all government agencies to only buy American flags that are 100% manufactured and produced in the U.S.

When speaking about the bill, Senator Collins said, "The American flag serves as a symbol of our identity, resolve, and values as one people. To honor its significance, the federal government should only use flags entirely manufactured in the United States. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that the symbol of our nation is preserved while supporting American jobs and manufacturers."  

The previous law required the federal government to purchase flags made with only 50% American-made materials. Over the past decade, the American flag industry has imported millions of dollars worth of products from China. In 2015, $4 million of the $4.4 million spent on imported American flags came from China. The All-American Flag Act aims to change this by redirecting funds back into the U.S. economy and supporting American flag makers. Government agencies now have 180 days to comply with the new law and replace any flags that aren't entirely American-made. 

How Can Federal Agencies Ensure Compliance with the New All-American Flag Act? 

In order to comply with the All-American Flag Act, federal agencies should avoid shopping on online marketplaces that can make false claims about their products. The only way to ensure a flag is 100% American-made is to purchase exclusively from FMAA-certified retailers like Carrot-Top Industries. The Flag Manufacturers Association of America, or FMAA, was established in 2003 and strives to: 

1. Educate the public on the importance of choosing American-made flags. 
2. Set high standards for the marketing and manufacturing of all U.S. flags used by the federal, state, and local governments. 
3. Ensure all FMAA members only use 100% American-made products and materials crafted in U.S.-based factories. 

Additionally, the FMAA provides a "Certified Made in the USA" label that verifies that a flag meets its stringent standards and compliance. By choosing an FMAA-certified flag, all government agencies can purchase with confidence, knowing their flag will comply with all laws and regulations. 

For a manufacturer to be eligible for an FMAA certification seal, they must:

• Produce flags that are certified 100% American-made, with every step of production taking place in the United States. This includes:
• Weaving the yarn into fabric
• Bleaching, printing, or dyeing the fabric
• Cutting, sewing, assembling, finishing, and packaging the flag
• Ensure all production processes are completed in a U.S. facility
• Meet current FTC labeling and U.S. Customs requirements, including a clear label stating the flag’s country of origin
• Provide suppliers with country of origin certificates for all raw materials and maintain these certificates on file

For the full listing of FMAA certification program requirements, click here.  

Protect American Workers with the Make American Flags in America Act 

While the All-American Flag Act is a great step toward supporting American workers and reducing foreign-made products in government agencies, it doesn't address mislabeling or fraud on online marketplaces. The Make American Flags in America Act hopes to solve this issue once and for all. Online fraud is a major problem in the U.S., harming small businesses and manufacturers. This bill not only mandates that all federal agencies buy American-made flags but takes it a step further by requiring the FTC to conduct a comprehensive study into the fraudulent labeling of U.S. flags. While the bill has a good chance of passing, by contacting your local representative, you can help ensure this important bill is signed into law.  

Shop at Carrot-Top Industries for Your Flags 

Carrot-Top is a proud member of the FMAA and the foremost supplier of American-made flags and accessories. Our BeaconÒ and PatriarchÒ Flags are manufactured in South Boston, Virginia, using 100% U.S.-sourced materials. Explore our large selection of vibrant and durable American flags and support hard-working American flag makers today.