Does a charger imported into the US need a country-of-origin mark?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Under US customs marking law, imported articles must generally be marked with the English name of the country of origin, in a conspicuous place, in a legible and permanent way, so that the final buyer can see it. For a charger, that usually means on the product itself, and the box too if you can. Ask your customs broker how it applies to your product.

The basic rule

US Customs and Border Protection explains that imported articles of foreign origin must be marked with the country of origin, unless an exception applies. The marking is meant to tell the ultimate purchaser where the goods were made. The statute is section 1304 of title 19 of the US Code, and the regulations are in part 134 of title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

What the marking should be like

• English. The country name should be in English.
• Conspicuous. Easy to find and read on the article.
• Legible. Clear and readable.
• Permanent. As permanent as the nature of the article allows, for the life of the product.
• Location. On the article, in a place where the buyer is likely to see it.

For a charger

Many chargers carry ‘Made in’ text on the rating label or moulded into the case. If you rely on the box alone, check that this meets the rules for your product, because boxes are not always acceptable as the only marking. Ask your broker.

Exceptions

There are exceptions for certain goods, but they depend on the product and facts. Do not assume your product is exempt.

Consequences

Unmarked or wrongly marked goods can be refused entry, held until marked or charged additional duties or penalties. This can be costly and delay launch.

Practical steps

1. Add the country marking to the artwork for the label or the case.
2. Check the sample before production.
3. Ask your customs broker to confirm the marking.
4. Keep the artwork approval on file.

Other claims

Separate marketing claims such as ‘Made in the USA’ have their own strict rules. Do not use them unless the product qualifies.

Quick summary

Mark the country of origin in English, permanently and clearly, preferably on the charger, and confirm the details with a broker.

Sources checked on 24 Oct 2026: U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Marking of country of origin on U.S. imports.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.