Business ProfileforSonic Packaging Industries

On November 7, 2023, BBB contacted the business regarding its website stating the following, “Made in USA.”

According to the BBB Code of Advertising, “Made in USA” claims
“Made in USA,” and similar terms used to describe the origin of a product must be truthful and substantiated. In general, all or virtually all of the product must be made in the USA. Qualified “Made in USA” claims can be made under circumstances and with appropriate disclosures.
37.1 “Made in USA” and similar terms used to describe the origin of a product must be truthful and substantiated.
37.2 An advertiser must not express or imply that a product or product line is exclusively “Made in USA” unless all or virtually all of the product is made in the U.S. All significant parts and processing that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. That is, the product should contain no – or negligible – foreign content.
37.3 Advertisers can refer to products that are manufactured with foreign components as “Assembled in USA,” of the product’s principle assembly and last substantial transformation was completed in the U.S.
37.4 Qualified “Made in USA” claims, for example, “60% U.S. content,” “Made in U.S. of U.S. and imported parts,” are appropriate for products that are manufactured or have been substantially assembled domestically. However, advertisers must avoid making these claims if a significant amount of assembly or material of the product was not completed in the U.S. Qualified “Made in USA” claims, like unqualified claims, must be truthful and substantiated.
Please substantiate the noted “Made in U.S.A.” statement. It’s likely that the product manufacturer will have substantiation on hand. If substantiation is not readily available, we ask that you modify or discontinue the claims to comply with BBB advertising standards.

Please, note, the substantiation requirements for unqualified “Made in USA” claims are quite high are largely depend on the product itself. It is necessary to show that all individual components, along with their source materials of those components, are from the United States.

In cases where the end product is highly complex, it is very likely that some individual components and their source materials are from other countries. Unless the vast majority of components are from the US, it will be necessary to disclose the amount of foreign content.

In these instances, it may be appropriate to advertise products as “Manufactured” or “Assembled” in the USA if that is the case. However, if a significant portion of assembly or manufacturing was not completed in the United States, these modifications may not be appropriate. 

Basic Principles of the Code

Advertisements should be truthful, sincere offers to sell. Advertisers have a responsibility to have substantiation for all claims made and should be able to provide that substantiation upon request.  All advertising that may mislead or deceive consumers should be avoided.

1.1 The primary responsibility for truthful and non-deceptive advertising rests with the advertiser. Advertisers should be prepared to substantiate any objective claims or offers made before publication or broadcast. Upon request, they should present such substantiation promptly to the advertising medium or BBB.
1.2 Advertisements which are untrue, misleading, deceptive, fraudulent, falsely disparaging of competitors, or insincere offers to sell, shall not be used.

Unfortunately, the business failed to respond to BBB's request to substantiate, modify or remove the claim and seal.