U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently updated their Informed Compliance Publication (ICP) on Marking and Country of Origin on U.S. Imports. This publication discusses the country of origin marking requirements, which include general information, forms of marking, special statutory marking, etc.
Why Mark Goods?
The publication defines the purpose of marking as a way to inform the ultimate purchaser—the last person in the U.S. to receive the article in the form in which it was imported—of the country in which it was made. The country of origin is the country of manufacture, production, or growth of the article.
The Guidelines ICP Provides
The updated ICP outlines recommended forms of marking including branding, stenciling, stamping, printing, and molding. In addition to this, guidelines for the marking of containers and combined articles are explained.
Special statutory marking is also described within this publication, showing the marking requirements for watches, clocks, certain articles including knives, scissors, clippers, pliers, steels, etc. that require special markings.
Lastly, the publication reviews articles excepted from marking by U.S.C. 1304, and reasons certain articles are not required for marking.
If you have questions regarding the ICP guidance or marking requirements for your goods, reach out to Mohawk Global Trade Advisors.