How we record origin

OriginCatalog reports findings: sourced, dated facts about a product. We do not invent a “how American” score. A US factory is a row in the table, not a stamp.

When we stamp Made in USA

Only if all three tests in 16 CFR 323.2 are evidenced-true for this model:

1. Final assembly or processing in the United States
2. All significant processing in the United States
3. All or virtually all ingredients or components made and sourced in the United States

“Manufactured,” “built,” “produced,” and “crafted” in America are the same unqualified claim. A plant in America is not, by itself, Made in USA.

When we stamp Assembled in USA

Only if principal assembly here, that assembly is substantial (not screwdriver-only), and the last substantial transformation was here — and the Made in USA test is not fully met. Foreign parts are allowed on this stamp. See FTC staff guidance.

When there is no stamp

The findings table is still the listing. “Not substantiated” means we found no primary source for that row. Silence is not “probably American.”

How listings are sorted

First by completed FTC stamp (Made in USA, then Assembled in USA, then none). Then by how many origin facts are documented (Yes or No — not empty). Documentation count is not a patriotism score.

We do not require citizenship or job-creation numbers. Every published item is origin-reviewed every 30 days.