If you are sourcing power cords for government contracts, it is imperative that you procure TAA compliant power cords. But what does TAA actually mean?

The TAA, or Trade Agreements Act, requires that U.S. government agencies buy products that are made or substantially transformed in the United States or an approved country. The list of countries is longer than you might think and includes countries that meet at least one of four criteria required by the U.S. government:

  • Be a signatory of the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement (WTO GPA)
  • Have a bilateral or multilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Partnership with the U.S.
  • Have a Least Developed Country (LDC) Designation by the United Nations
  • Have a Caribbean Basin Country Designation which aims to promote growth in that region.

Interactive TAA Map

Is Vietnam a TAA designated country?

As of late 2026, there has been some market confusion about the status of Vietnam which is not a TAA approved country as it does not meet any of the four criteria. Many companies have shifted from Chinese to Vietnamese manufacturing, and buyers (and some sellers) mistakenly assume “not China” means TAA compliant which is incorrect.

Country of Origin and TAA

For power cords, the country of origin of the wire is the determining factor for whether a cord is TAA, not where the ends of the cord are terminated. For example, if American or other TAA wire is shipped to China for termination as a power cord, the finished product is TAA compliant, but if Chinese, Vietnamese or other non-TAA wire is terminated or finished in the U.S., it is not TAA, but rather “American Assembled” and not qualified for government purchase. The COO of the wire dictates TAA compliance, not where the product became a finished good.

Difference Between TAA and BAA

TAA compliance requires “substantial transformation” of a product in the U.S. or a designated country, meaning that the manufacturing process creates a new and distinct article of commerce. This is not to be confused with the Buy American Act (BAA) that mandates that the majority (65% as of October 2024) of a product must be produced in the United States. StayOnline’s TAA power cords are molded in Henderson, NC and use American made wire which far exceeds the 65% threshold. StayOnline power cords are more than 90% U.S. made and qualify as both TAA and BAA compliant.

Shop StayOnline TAA Power Cords

Ensuring Compliance

StayOnline’s TAA compliant products are easily identifiable on our website through the TAA logo and part numbers that include the suffix ‘TAA’. Each TAA cord is labeled as TAA. This transparency allows customers to make informed decisions when selecting power cords for government contracts or other applications requiring TAA compliance.

StayOnline's TAA Badge

Conclusion

Sourcing power cords for government contracts means paying attention to where the cords and the wire are made, not just where they aren’t. Vietnam’s growing role in electronics manufacturing has led some buyers to assume that moving away from China solves the compliance problem, but Vietnam is not a TAA designated country. StayOnline power cords are molded in Henderson, NC with American made wire and are more than 90% U.S. made, making them both TAA and BAA compliant. Look for the TAA logo, the ‘TAA’ part number suffix, and the label on the cord itself.

For more information, you can reach us at 888-346-4688 or by email at sales@stayonline.com.