Made in the U.S.A barcode

Buying an American flag made in America is more than a choice – it’s a commitment to our nation’s pride and strength. For those who honor the values our flag represents, choosing a flag made on U.S. soil embodies that patriotic spirit in the most authentic way. Every purchase of a domestically produced flag not only strengthens our economy but also brings the reassurance of unmatched quality and craftsmanship. 

Unfortunately, some companies make misleading claims about their products, leading you to believe they are made in the U.S.A. when they’re not. This deceitful practice is especially prevalent in the flag industry. These lies harm our country in numerous ways and create unfair competition with American businesses. 

The good news is that there are ways to confirm a product's true origin. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to spot an American-made flag so you can shop with confidence, fully assured that your purchase supports U.S. businesses. As you seek out authentic, high-quality American flags, remember that AmericanFlags.com is proud to offer flags made by trusted domestic flag makers with generations of craftsmanship behind every stitch. 

The Importance of Buying American Flags Made in America

Why is buying American-made flags so important? Is there really a difference between products that are made in the U.S.A. and ones made by overseas manufacturers? 

The answer is simply yes. Purchasing from American retailers is essential for supporting our domestic economy. Plus, domestically produced products are often of much higher quality, lasting far longer outdoors than cheap foreign imports. Let’s explore some of the top reasons why choosing the right manufacturer can make all the difference. 

It Reflects True American Pride 

There’s no denying that the American flag is a symbol of our nation’s strength and determination. Flying an ensign that’s made in the U.S.A. shows your patriotism and dedication to supporting the craftsmanship and quality that only comes from American workers. 

There are so many high-quality and affordable American-made flags you never have to settle for ones made by a foreign manufacturing company. Choosing a flag made in the United States is an easy way to show your love for our country and support domestic businesses. 

It Supports American Jobs

Purchasing American-made flags supports hardworking American workers. Companies like Annin Flagmakers employ over 500 employees in rural communities like South Boston, VA, which rely on domestic manufacturing to sustain local jobs. Similarly, AmericanFlags.com employs over 24 warehouse associates, marketing professionals, and customer service representatives in New York and rural Hillsborough, NC.  

Buying flags from American manufacturers supports large and small business owners, strengthens the supply chain, and boosts the economy. The result? Strengthened communities, a greater sense of patriotism, and a more self-sufficient nation. 

American Flags are Made Ethically 

American companies must follow strict manufacturing regulations and laws, ensuring they provide their employees with fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical labor practices. Unfortunately, many overseas factories in regions like Asia and South America fail to protect their workers. 

Many companies in countries like China and Mexico exploit their workers, placing them in unsafe environments without a fair wage. When you buy from American companies, you can rest assured knowing that the distributor must meet strict quality control measures that ensure transparency, accountability, and the ethical treatment of every employee. 

How Can You Tell if Your American Flag is Made in the U.S.A.? 

In America, all flags and textiles are required to have their country of origin on their label. This identification helps consumers know a specific product was made. 

The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act was placed into law in the U.S. to regulate the labeling and advertising of all textile products. It ensures any physical product claiming to be American-made abides by strict guidelines. These include: 

  • A label can only say, “Made in the U.S.A.” if the product is made completely in the U.S. from domestically sourced materials.
  • If U.S. manufacturers use imported materials, they must include the following statement, “Made in the U.S.A. of imported fabric.” 

In short, for a product to have a "Made in the U.S.A." label, all parts of the production process must happen in America, including the manufacturing of the raw materials, not just the finished product. 

The best and easiest way to tell if a product isn’t made in America is if it doesn’t have a label. Not including a label is especially common with Chinese products. All American-made flags must have a label showing their country of origin. No authentic U.S. retailer will ignore this requirement. 

Another easy way to tell a flag’s American-made authenticity is to check for the FMAA symbol. The FMAA, or the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, was founded to provide education and transparency to the American flag-making industry. An FMAA symbol guarantees American authenticity and craftsmanship. 

Another option is to look up the NAICS codes. The North American Industry Classification System collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics for U.S.-based businesses. This system helps consumers compare American businesses and is a great way to ensure a company claiming to sell American-made products is being truthful. 

How to Find Out Where a Product is Manufactured on Online Marketplaces 

Tracing down a company’s product manufacturing information online can be a bit tricky, especially with so many wholesalers, catalogs, and foreign products. Learning how to navigate eCommerce sites and locate certifications makes it easier to know which items are truly American-made and which aren’t. 

eBay

To confirm if a product is U.S.-made on eBay: 

  1. 1. Select your desired flag listing. 
  2. 2. On the product page, locate the seller’s profile on the right-hand side beneath the product title. 
  3. 3. Click on the seller's profile and then select “About.” 
  4. 4. Scroll down to find the seller’s location, which may indicate where the product is coming from. 

Walmart

To check the product origin on Walmart: 

  1. 1. Choose the flag listing you’re interested in. 
  2. 2. Scroll down the product page to locate the “Sold and Shipped by” section beneath the delivery details. 
  3. 3. Click “view seller information.” Here, you’ll find the business name, phone number, and location. 

Amazon

To verify the manufacturer on Amazon: 

  1. 1. After selecting your preferred flag, scroll to the product details. 
  2. 2. Look below the “Add to Cart” button for the “sold by” link and click on it. 
  3. 3. On the seller’s storefront, scroll down to view their business name and address. 

Thank you to Embroidery Solutions for the source material and information. By following these steps, you can shop with confidence, ensuring you’re supporting American-made products. 

It’s important to note that with this method there are limitations. Sometimes, a false retailer will register an American address for their company through physcialaddress.com. To verify to potential manufacturer’s location, simply put it into Google Street View. If it doesn’t look like a flag factory, the flag is likely NOT made in the U.S.A. 

Other Ways to Find Out Where a Product is Manufactured 

Along with the information above, there are several other ways to find out a product’s manufacturing location. 

Product Barcode 

Barcodes can be a great way to find out a company’s country of origin, but it’s important to note that they only show where the manufacturer is registered, not necessarily where the product is made. When looking at the barcode, the first three digits represent the GSI prefix, which corresponds with the country where the manufacturer is located. Barcodes starting with 690-699 are from China. Digits starting with 00-09 come from America and Canada. 

Unfortunately, many companies manufacture their products in different countries than their registered location. That makes this method less accurate for determining the actual manufacturing site. 

Online Databases 

There are numerous product information sites that work as online databases and directories for finding American-made products. ProductFrom.com is one example. 

This site lets you search for old and new products and find where they’re manufactured. It’s a great option since it categorizes each product by company and type, so it’s easy to find. These independent sites make it easy for consumers to find products that support American companies. 

Reverse Image Search 

Reverse image searches tell you the origin of where the image was taken. It also tells you if the retailer is using stock images for their listings to make them seem legit. 

It’s Not Made from 200-Denier Nylon 

200-denier nylon is the standard thickness for American-made flags. Imported flags are made from 210-denier nylon, a synthetic material generally used in Chinese factories. 

Ensure Your Flag is U.S.-Made by Shopping with an FMAA-Certified Retailer

The FMAA is the gold standard for American-made flags. This non-profit is dedicated to providing trusted certification for consumers so they know their flag is made in the U.S.A. A flag with an FMAA seal is made in America with domestic resources using American labor. Additionally, the entire manufacturing process is monitored continuously to ensure it upholds all proper rules and regulations. 

What American Flags are Made in the U.S.A.?  

When you are shopping for an American flag, you want to make sure that you purchase one from an FMAA-certified manufacturer. Platinum manufacturers such as Annin Flagmakers, Eder Flag, and Valley Forge Flag Company have been in the business for generations and have amassed excellent reputations for their quality products. Each manufacturer produces flags at various price points, so you can find one that best fits your budget and needs.  

Buy Made in the U.S.A. Flags from AmericanFlags.com 

AmericanFlags.com is proud to offer the largest selection of American-made flags and accessories. We are an FMAA-certified retailer and are committed to providing our customers with flags that are made in the U.S.A. by the country’s top flag makers. Discover the American-made difference at AmericanFlags.com today.