According to the Association, the Made in Nepal logo will assure buyers of the quality of the products bearing it, as the trademark is only issued after footwear is tested. In an initial phase 48 of the 70 affiliated shoe makers will be using the trademark on their products.

According to local Nepali press, the association has formed an 11-member committee headed by its President Homnath Upadhyay to monitor shoe factories and make sure they are observing the requirements to be issued the trademark and use the logo.

The trademark, registered with the Ministry of Industry, was attributed to footwear and follows Nepal’s tea, coffee and pashmina products, which have already acquired collective trademarks. Meanwhile, hand-knotted woollen carpets are in line to receive a collective trademark too. As mentioned by local authorities, the trademarks are expected to promote Nepali brands in the international arena, and also internally, while avoiding that imported products are sold under Nepali brands.

LGFMAN’s President is being quoted: “We have been frequently receiving complaints that some manufacturers are selling imported products as their own by labelling them with Nepali brands (...) This collective trademark will help maintain the quality of Nepali footwear as manufacturers will have to abide by the code of conduct set by the association.”

Nepali commerce and industry associations are unanimous in highlighting the importance of such initiative. Dinesh Shrestha, Vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry considers the launching of the trademark an important step to maintain quality standards and prevent malpractices that have emerged in the domestic market. “The trademark will not only help maintain quality standards but also stimulate the overall growth of the industry” added Suresh Basnet, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce.