Country-of-Origin Requirements

The U.S. government prefers to purchase goods and services made in America. In addition, a variety of international trade agreements, including the Trade Agreements Act and NAFTA, designate other preferred countries, while at the same time restrict sales from non-designated countries. Government contracting can also be affected by federal agency preferences in procurement, such as those under the Berry Amendment. Violations of the country-of-origin requirements can give raise to civil and criminal penalties. Garvey Schubert Barer lawyers understand how country-of-origin requirements work and their effect on both domestic and foreign businesses contracting with the U.S. government.