False advertising: Made in North America.

Existing law makes unlawful certain acts identified as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by any person in a transaction intended to result, or that results, in the sale or lease of goods to any consumer. Existing law makes it unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association to sell, or offer for sale, merchandise that advertises itself as being made or manufactured in the United States when any article, unit, or part of the merchandise has been entirely or substantially made, manufactured, or produced outside of the United States. Existing law makes a violation of the latter provision a misdemeanor. This bill would make it unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association to sell, or offer for sale, a product that advertises itself as being made in North America unless all of the product was made in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Because a violation of these provisions would be a misdemeanor, the bill would create a new crime, thus, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would additionally include a representation in violation of these provisions among those acts identified as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.