Made in France: Protecting the Label’s Authenticity
The “Made in France” label holds significant weight in the global market, often used by politicians to support French industry. With increasing awareness of its importance, more companies are seeking this label, despite challenges posed by free trade agreements.
To combat confusion surrounding the label’s authenticity, the French customs have established the “Somif” system in 2022. Located in Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne, Somif serves as a central authority for verifying the origin of products labeled “Made in France.”
Somif’s Missions:
- Verification of “Made in France” labels: Somif evaluates products for compliance with origin regulations, allowing companies to officially label their products as “Made in France.”
- Verification of product origin: Somif offers a service to assess and confirm the true origin of products, providing companies with reliable information for international business.
Preventing Misuse of the Label:
Somif’s establishment aims to combat unauthorized uses of the “Made in France” label. The customs department warns against misleading terms like “designed in France” or “thoughts in France,” which can create confusion about the product’s true origin.
Impact and Future:
Since its inception, Somif has issued over 1,440 “Made in France” certifications and 321 origin declarations. The system has been instrumental in clarifying the authenticity of products and protecting the integrity of the “Made in France” label.