Flags are a symbol of national identity, with the American flag standing as a testament to our unity, strength, and freedom. With the growing popularity of e-commerce in today’s society, not every American flag for sale is equal. By equal, we mean that unfortunately, there are many American flags sold that claim to be made in America, but in fact are not.

Non-American American Flags

People across the U.S. proudly fly their American flags every day, but you might be surprised to find out that many of those U.S. flags are made in other foreign countries. The Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) estimates that about 7.5 million flags that are bought each year are foreign-made. Most of which are manufactured in China.

You might also be surprised to discover that large e-commerce retailers are selling American flags claiming to be made in America, but are actually being imported from China, contributing to the problem. This is why the National Independent Flag Dealers of America (NIFDA) is taking a stand and pushing for The Make American Flags in America Act of 2023.

What is The Make American Flags in America Act

NIFDA is fighting for this bill to be passed this November, which will REQUIRE all American flags to be 100% made in the United States. This includes the manufacturing of the flag, all materials being sourced in the USA (including the dyes), and with American labor. Currently, this is the only proposed legislation in Congress that addresses concerns about online sellers misleading the public with American Flags not properly labeled with Country of Origin tags.

Recent Progress in the Fight Against Foreign-Made Flags

The push for authentic American-made flags has gained significant momentum with several key developments:

De Minimis Loophole Partially Closed

Effective May 2, 2025, low-value shipments from China are no longer exempt from customs scrutiny - a major step forward in preventing fraudulent flag imports. However, this fix currently applies only to China. In partnership with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), NIFDA will continue pushing for broader reform to close this loophole for all countries, ensuring comprehensive protection against mislabeled foreign-made flags regardless of their country of origin.

E-Commerce Fraudulent Listing Crackdown

The fight against deceptive practices continues to show results. With Gibbons Law's continued partnership, large e-commerce websites have removed more than 20 counterfeit U.S. flag listings that lacked proper country-of-origin labeling. This ongoing effort demonstrates the importance of maintaining pressure to enforce accurate product labeling and protect consumers from misleading claims about flag manufacturing origins.

Why is this Important?

There are several reasons why it’s important to buy fully-made in America, but a couple of major ones include:

Authenticity and Integrity

Purchasing from an authentic United States flag store, like Eagle Mountain Flag and Flagpole, guarantees that you are getting a genuine product. This authenticity not only ensures the highest quality but also supports ethical considerations. In choosing to buy from businesses like ours, you are promoting U.S. manufacturing, which, in turn, strengthens the nation's economy and encourages fair labor practices.

Overall Flag Quality

Quality is a staple of an American-made flag, a factor that majorly contributes to its overall value and appeal. Things like, material quality, craftsmanship, longevity, and durability, are all increased when purchasing a true, FMAA American flag. Retailers like Amazon, which promotes lost cost and quick delivery, and other businesses that are not selling true made in America flags, are producing low-quality flags with made in America symbols that ultimately send the wrong message to consumers.

The Bottom Line

In all honesty, it can be difficult to know if and when you are receiving a true FMAA certified flag, which is why passing the The Make American Flags in America Act of 2023 bill is so important. If you want to learn more or find out how to get involved, click here!