Legislation to allow manufacturers to label their products “Made in America” if no more than 10 percent of the final product is made outside of the United States was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jerry Brown.
The bill, co-authored by Republican Assemblyman Brian Jones of Santee and Democratic Sen. Jerry Hill of San Mateo, changes California’s 100 percent “Made in America” labeling standard to keep up with the global economy and allow conformity to the federal standard used by the 49 other states.
“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 Jones. “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.”
The law will allow a product to be labeled “Made in USA” if materials from outside the United States constitute not more than 5 percent of the final wholesale value of the product or if the manufacturer can show that articles, units, or parts from outside of the United States do not make up more than 10 percent of the final product.
The new legislation takes effect Jan. 1.
Jones represents the 71st Assembly District, which covers most of the communities of eastern San Diego County.
