The introduction of the mandatory origin labeling in consumer products, the so known Made in, has been a hot topic for the footwear industry in Europe. Back in October 2013, the European Parliament gave the go ahead for the works of drafting a legislative proposal related to product safety that includes the mandatory labeling of the country of origin. Last April, the European Parliament voted with an overwhelming majority, with 485 in favour and 130 against, a strong recognition of Europe’s feeling about the matter. But now some concerns emerge that a blocking force lead by Germany could jeopardize the European Council decision.

As the EU Competitiveness Council approaches, Assocalzaturifici voiced the urgency to look into this matter. “The manufacturing sector cannot wait any longer”, stated Cleto Sagripanti, President of the Italian Footwear Association. On the 4th of December, the Council will decide on European Regulations on the safety of consumer products and market surveillance, of which the Made in is contained in Article 7. 

A topic of significant importance for the European footwear industry, as once the legislation is in place it will allow more transparency around the products and its origin, resulting in increasingly well informed buying decisions by consumers, key players of the sector claim.

In an interview to the World Footwear, back in June, Jean Pierre Reunadin, CEC’s President, commented: “The introduction of the mandatory origin labeling in consumer products, the so known Made in, clearly represents a measure in support of our European industry, its growth and the jobs creation in Europe. Its adoption will suppose the recognition of the efforts made by our companies to comply with certain levels of quality, social and environmental standards, which some companies from third countries do not respect. This labeling will also allow consumers to recognize such standards, and value the level of security requested on the production. Consumers are more and more conscious of their purchases, and want to adopt responsible decisions when choosing a product. Furthermore the origin labeling will assist the market surveillance and customs authorities to identify those companies who infringe the EU product safety rules, and will provide more transparency to our EU internal market. Now, we just have to wait for the positive voting at the European Council in order to see Made in a reality. We trust that the EU Members States will respect the positive decision of the European Parliament, the institution directly representing the citizens of the EU, and will vote also in favour of the mandatory origin labeling in consumer products”.