/ country of origin / marking / import readiness
Checking Country-of-Origin Marking Before Production
Origin marking should be reviewed before labels, cartons, and packaging are printed.
Country-of-origin marking is easy to postpone until shipment. That creates trouble when packaging has already been printed or goods are packed. Buyers should review marking before production and packaging approval.
Ask the supplier where the origin mark will appear: product, label, retail package, master carton, or insert. The answer depends on the product and destination rules, so involve your broker or compliance advisor when the item is sensitive.
Save artwork and physical photos. A PDF proof is helpful, but a production photo can show whether the mark is legible and placed where the buyer expected.
Do not rely on vague statements such as origin will be marked. The buyer needs the exact wording and location. CBP guidance emphasizes country-of-origin marking for foreign-origin articles entering the United States, with exceptions that require care.
Add marking review to the pre-shipment checklist. It is cheaper to correct artwork before mass printing than to rework packed goods.
Working checklist
- Decide origin wording early.
- Check mark location.
- Save artwork and photos.
- Ask broker for sensitive products.
- Review before packaging production.