FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Made in France

What is Made in France?

The “Made in France” designation (or “Manufactured in France”) refers to a product a significant part of whose manufacturing was carried out on French territory, according to criteria defined by French customs and European regulations.

Specifically, a product can be labeled “Made in France” if:

• It has undergone its last substantial transformation in France,

• This transformation has given the product its essential characteristics,

• At least 45% of its added value originates from France (an indicative criterion used by French customs),

• It complies with the non-preferential rules of origin of the European Union (EU Customs Code)

What “Made in France” does not necessarily mean:

• It is not mandatory that all raw materials are French.

• Simple final assembly may be sufficient, provided it is the decisive stage of transformation.

• It does not always imply that all components are manufactured in France.

But what does Made in France actually mean:

It is evident that certain brands labeled “Made in France” exploit the legal ambiguity surrounding this concept, which is still too broad to be fully rigorous ( Made in France is not a label). It is therefore up to us, consumers, to exercise discernment to distinguish true from “false” Made in France.

Indeed, it is not uncommon for a simple minor intervention on a product to suffice to justify the “Made in France” label. In practice, it is often the perceived quality and the price level that allow one to judge whether a product is truly manufactured on national territory. Certain labels are also a fundamental source of transparency regarding product origin.

Why choose Made in France?

Buying Made in France is, above all, about supporting the local economy and preserving jobs in our country. Each purchase contributes to maintaining industries, workshops, and often family-run artisans, who pass on manual expertise that is both cultural and sometimes ancestral. These unique skills, forged over generations, are a true living heritage that we have a duty to protect.

From an ecological perspective, choosing Made in France also means significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with international transport. By favoring local production, we reduce the distances traveled by goods, which limits pollution and energy consumption.

Beyond the economic and environmental aspects, buying French means giving meaning to one’s purchases. It is giving an object a story, a soul, the result of the passionate work of men and women who put all their expertise and high standards into every stage of manufacturing. Very often, these products are handcrafted with meticulousness and attention, which guarantees superior quality and durability.

Finally, choosing Made in France means encouraging a more responsible and ethical consumption model, based on transparency, quality, and respect for working conditions. It is choosing authentic products, carrying values, which contribute to spreading French excellence worldwide.

What are the Made in France labels?

Origine France Garantie (OFG)

It is the only independent and certified label that guarantees genuinely French manufacturing.
Criteria:

• The product must derive at least 50% of its unit cost price from activities carried out in France.
• The main transformation of the product must take place on national territory.
• This label concerns many sectors: food, textiles, home appliances, toys, etc.

Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV)

This state label promotes French companies that possess excellent artisanal or industrial expertise.
Criteria:

• Production carried out in France
• Mastery of rare or traditional techniques
• Contribution to the preservation of French economic heritage

France Terre Textile

A label specific to the textile industry, guaranteeing local and traceable manufacturing.
Criteria:

• At least 75% of the manufacturing stages (spinning, weaving, dyeing, garment making, etc.) must be carried out in France.
  Each region has its own label: Vosges, Alsace, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, etc.

Geographical Indication (GI)

This label protects artisanal or industrial products linked to a territory and local expertise.
It functions like PDOs in the food sector.
Examples: Limoges porcelain, Brittany granite, Liffol chair.
This label is awarded by the INPI and helps defend the geographical origin and quality of a product.

Made in France

Mentions such as “Made in France”, “Designed in France” or “Manufactured in France” are not official labels.
These are commercial, declarative claims that are not subject to any systematic control, unless they are accompanied by a certified label.

What exactly does “Made in France” mean for La Place du Coq?

For us, “Made in France” is not limited to simple final assembly. We prioritize French raw materials, local production, as well as respectful and fair working conditions as much as possible.

Regarding raw materials, it can sometimes be difficult, or even impossible, to source them within national territory. This is particularly the case for high-end leather, cotton, wool, certain technical fabrics, as well as certain electronic components whose availability in France is currently limited.
In these situations, neighboring countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, or Austria — renowned for their expertise — become regular suppliers for the brands we select.

When this occurs, the origin of the materials is clearly indicated on the product page, with full transparency.

Are the selected products truly manufactured in France?

Yes, all products are designed, manufactured, and assembled by manufacturers located in France, in accordance with the definition of Made in France.
We also prioritize recognized labels such as Origine France Garantie or Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, to ensure a high level of quality in the products we select.

Before being integrated onto our site, each brand undergoes rigorous verification.
When certain raw materials come from abroad – for technical reasons or local unavailability – this information is clearly indicated on the product page.

Are Made in France products more expensive?

The price of Made in France products reflects more ethical labor, the use of quality materials, and local production that respects working conditions. We are committed to offering the best possible value for money, without ever compromising our values.

It is true that it is sometimes difficult to compete with prices in certain distant countries where production costs are much lower. However, these countries often face competition from our recognized expertise and the quality of our products.

Therefore, choosing Made in France means above all prioritizing quality over quantity, opting for durable products, crafted with care and with genuine added value.