To specify the French origin of their products, companies can choose from different markings such as “made in France ” , “created in France” or even “French product”.
These are not mandatory in Europe for non-food products.
From a regulatory point of view, these markings can only be used on condition of respecting the WTO rules set out in Europe in articles 22 to 26 and 35 to 65 of the Union Customs Code.
They are called “non-preferential rules of origin” and make it possible to establish the “nationality” of a product. The final product will bear on the label the origin of the country where it underwent the last substantial transformation .
To be able to display the words “made in France”, a product must therefore tick the following boxes:
- “display a customs coding different from those of its non-French raw materials and components;
- respect a maximum threshold of value of its non-French raw materials and components in relation to its price;
- have undergone certain processing operations in France using non-French raw materials and components. »
Serious labels are developing to bring credibility to consumers. We distinguish two:
- French Origin Guaranteed: to be able to affix this transversal label (all types of product combined), a product must follow the following criteria: “the place where the product takes its essential characteristics is located in France and at least 50% of the unit cost price is acquired in France. »
- France Terre Textile: developed by French textile manufacturers, this label is demanding since it takes into account the entire production chain. To obtain the right to use the label, a company must provide proof that a minimum of 75% of the production stages are carried out on French territory (all subcontractors must also be labeled France Terre Textile) and that it has a responsible approach (perpetuation of know-how, environment, sustainable development). An audit is carried out every 3 years.
In this legislative context which leaves some doubt about the path traveled by a garment before landing in our wardrobe, it is therefore up to companies to communicate transparently to consumers which manufacturing stages were carried out in France, or not.
“Made in France” is not synonymous with eco-responsible.
Studies have shown that the most polluting phase in the production of clothing is that of the manufacture of raw materials (spinning, weaving, dyeing), responsible for 70% of the carbon footprint of each piece.
Without real reflection on the materials used in the making of clothing, the mention "Made in France" is not a sufficient argument to affirm that a garment is eco-responsible.
At Géopélie, all the manufacturing stages that can be carried out in France are. Do you want to know why we decided to make made in France? It's over there !
Made in France is, however, only part of our eco-design approach. Here we explain in detail all the choices that were made to create the most environmentally friendly clothing possible.
Yes but where in France? you may be wondering, and rightly so. We thought of you ! Take a look at our pretty map which describes the geography of our manufacturing stages.
There is also this cool infographic on the textile industry, created with passion for those who prefer drawings to texts!
Discover here our eco-responsible yoga outfits made in France from recycled materials!
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Photo credits :
- Chris Karidis
Sources:
- Website of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Recovery
- France Terre Textile website
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