Everything you need to know about made in France
In an increasingly globalized world, it's not uncommon to encounter products from all over the world every day: mangoes from Brazil or clothing made in China—the choices are constantly expanding. But at what price? Made or grown in regions of the world where human and environmental rights allow for low-cost production, these products, offered at increasingly competitive prices, attract consumers looking for a bargain.
In order to meet this growing demand, many European companies have gradually relocated to these countries in order to remain competitive, leading to serious economic and social consequences for local industries. One of the most affected sectors is the French clothing and textile industry, which has lost two-thirds of its workforce and more than half of its production in twenty years (INSEE, 2018). Faced with this situation, awareness has been heightened by the Covid-19 health crisis in recent years: in an effort to protect employees through French labor law but also to preserve and revalue traditional local know-how, 74% of French people would now be prepared to pay more for a product "made in France" (Ifop, September 2018).
What is made in France?
Directly derived from the English translation of the term "Made in France," this mandatory marking for foodstuffs allows companies to indicate the origin of their products, and can be used for all types of goods. It is controlled by the DGDDI (Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects), which is a French administration attached to the Ministry of the Economy and responsible for regulating economic flows and border control. In order to be able to display the "Made in France" label on a product, the latter must either have undergone its last substantial transformation in France, or derive a significant part of its value from one or more manufacturing stages located in France. Any failure to comply with these conditions will then be considered misleading information about the origin of the product and may therefore, as provided for by the Consumer Code, be subject to sanctions.
One of the first advantages we think of when we talk about products made in France is most certainly the ecological aspect of such consumption. Since the products do not have to travel around the world to reach the French market, this allows for real savings in terms of CO2 emissions, transport and thus pollution, for an item with a lower carbon footprint and thus more respectful of the environment. At the same time, this desire for local roots allows the companies involved to become real players in the short distribution circuit, strengthening the link with the consumer and limiting intermediaries and waste. Finally, producing in France requires careful compliance with the regulations in force, particularly those concerning the environment, which are much stricter than in other countries in the world.
Recognized worldwide and associated with a very specific know-how combining durability, craftsmanship, and quality, the "Made in France" label remains a guarantee of excellence today. The demanding health and social standards in force thus guarantee consumers that products made in France have been manufactured under good conditions, where the rights of employees and the environment are guaranteed, unlike many other factories around the world.
Beyond all these benefits, consuming products made in France also demonstrates a desire to engage in civic solidarity, which takes on even greater meaning after the difficult period we've all been through. By consuming products that showcase and promote French industry, this helps promote French businesses and thus contributes to the creation and preservation of jobs in France.
How to (really) consume products made in France?
The first, and seemingly simplest, is on the label. Remember that simply having a French flag prominently displayed or embroidered on the product is not enough to indicate that it was made in France. To be sure that this is not just a marketing ploy but a genuine effort to ensure transparency regarding the manufacturing processes of the product in question, take the time to read the "made in..." label, which indicates the product's country of origin, which must be included.
The second concerns price, which implies compliance with labor and human rights law in force in French law. Be careful, however: just because an ethical and responsible manufacturing process involves a high price does not mean that all high-priced products have been designed in conditions that respect the environment and human beings.
Finally, there are other ways for companies to promote the origin and quality of their products through recognized labels or certifications. Among them, we can notably find the state label "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant", created in 2005 and awarded to French companies benefiting from excellent artisanal and industrial know-how, or the certification "Origine France Garantie" from the Pro France association. The latter assures consumers of the traceability of the labeled product, and is awarded based on two cumulative criteria: the product must acquire its essential characteristics in France AND between 50% and 100% of the unit cost price must be French.
This is the case, for example, with our socks made in France .
It is for all these reasons that we are very happy and proud, at JULES & JENN, to be able to expand our range of products made in France each year to allow you to stay trendy all year round with your charentaises or espadrilles on your feet. From our Tarn belts to our sneakers entirely made near Cholet , including our quality leather goods , let yourself be taken on a tour of France of artisans with our OFG-labeled products and support French craftsmanship!
