The National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA) today announced a significant consumer fraud issue affecting American-made products. According to NIFDA representatives, imported flags are being falsely labeled and marketed as “Made in the USA” on Amazon, deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate American manufacturers.
Carter Beard, President of Annin Flagmakers—one of the nation’s oldest and most respected flag producers—has issued an open letter to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, calling for immediate action to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of e-commerce.
The letter is available for public viewing at: https://tinyurl.com/bezosletter2025.
Threat to Consumer Trust and U.S. Businesses
The practice of mislabeling imported products as American-made has far-reaching implications for both consumers and domestic businesses:
- Consumer Deception: Shoppers who believe they are supporting American workers and investing in high-quality, U.S.-made flags are instead purchasing lower-quality, foreign-made goods.
- Economic Harm: Companies that adhere to rigorous U.S. manufacturing standards are forced to compete against deceptive sellers, resulting in lost revenue and diminished brand reputation.
- Undermined Marketplace Integrity: Amazon’s global platform sets industry standards, and unchecked fraud tarnishes the trust that both consumers and reputable manufacturers place in online marketplaces.
Carter Beard’s Open Letter to Jeff Bezos
In his open letter, Beard urges Bezos and Amazon executives to address these practices by:
- Strengthening Listing Enforcement: Implement stringent procedures to confirm “Made in the USA” claims, including mandatory documentation for sellers.
- Enhancing Seller Accountability: Require clarity and transparency regarding a product’s country of origin, with penalties for businesses found in violation.
- Protecting the Integrity of American Flags: Recognize that an American flag is not just another product, but a symbol of national pride deserving the utmost respect and honesty in labeling.
“We believe Amazon has a responsibility to ensure the products sold on its platform adhere to accurate labeling standards,” Beard’s letter reads. “Misrepresentation of these iconic symbols impacts not only honest producers but also the patriotic consumers who trust they are buying flags worthy of the ‘Made in USA’ designation.”
NIFDA’s Call to Action
NIFDA is encouraging journalists, consumers, and policymakers to examine the issues raised in Beard’s letter and take steps toward meaningful reform in the online marketplace. The association calls on Amazon to safeguard the legitimacy of the “Made in the USA” label and to establish clear guidelines and oversight to prevent future consumer deception.
“Protecting the integrity of the American flag is paramount,” said a spokesperson for NIFDA. “We are asking Amazon, as a leader in e-commerce, to demonstrate its commitment to honest business practices by removing fraudulent listings and implementing immediate reforms.”
How to Get Involved
NIFDA welcomes inquiries from journalists interested in covering this developing story.
Additional information and resources are available at the following links:
- Open Letter to Jeff Bezos: https://tinyurl.com/bezosletter2025
- NIFDA’s Advocacy Toolkit: https://sites.google.com/nifda.net/saveusflagstoolkit/home
For media requests or further details, please contact NIFDA at info@nifda.net.
About the National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA)
The National Independent Flag Dealers Association is a network of independent flag retailers, manufacturers, and distributors committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in the flag industry. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, NIFDA works to protect consumers, support honest business practices, and ensure the authentic representation of American-made products.
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Media Contact
Company Name: Carrot-Top Industries
Contact Person: Kristin Holtshouser
Email: kholtshouser@carrot-top.com
Website: www.Carrot-Top.com
City: Hillsborough
State: NC
Country: U.S.A
