Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The country of origin on the label ("Made in…") is not mandatory under the general EU rules for textiles – Regulation 1007/2011 requires the fibre composition but not the origin. Many brands add it voluntarily, and some markets outside the EU, such as the USA, require it. If it is stated, it must be accurate and must not mislead the buyer.
Country of origin in the EU – what the legislation says
In the EU there is no general obligation for textile products to carry an origin marking. Discussions about such a mandatory marking over the years have not led to a general rule. So "Made in" on a label in the EU is voluntary information. Nevertheless, once it is given, it falls under the rules on unfair commercial practices: it must not create a false impression of where the product was made.
EU customs rules determine the origin of goods for import and export purposes. They are a separate topic, but they are a useful guide to when a garment can be considered made in a given country.
How the origin of a garment is determined
The principle is that origin lies where the last substantial, economically justified processing took place, resulting in a new product. For clothing this is usually the country where the garment was cut and sewn into its finished form. Some markets and trade agreements apply more specific rules, such as a requirement for the origin of the fabric.
| Situation | Typical conclusion |
|---|---|
| Fabric from Italy, cut and sewn in Bulgaria | Made in Bulgaria |
| Sewn in Turkey, only packed and labelled in Bulgaria | Packing is not substantial processing; origin remains Turkey |
| Sewn in Bulgaria, then embroidered in another country | Depends on the rules for the specific product; embroidery is usually not enough |
| Cut in one country, sewn in another | Usually the country where the sewing was done |
The table is a general guide. For exports and preferential origin, the rules are checked for the specific product and agreement.
Markets that require a country of origin
- USA – textile products must carry the country of origin in English, usually as "Made in…". There the requirement is part of the textile labelling rules.
- Canada – textile labelling requirements are strict; dealer details are also checked on import.
- Some Asian and Middle Eastern markets – require origin for customs clearance.
If you export outside the EU, check the requirements with the importer or trading partner before ordering the labels.
How origin is written
There is no mandatory wording in the EU, but several standard versions are used:
- The origin in the language of the market – for example "Made in Bulgaria" translated into the local language.
- "Made in Bulgaria" – the internationally understood version, often the only one on multilingual labels.
- "Made in EU" – used by some brands; it must be accurate and not misleading.
- "Designed in … / Made in …" – when design and production are in different countries. The distinction must be clear.
Where origin is placed
Origin is most often on the care and composition label, below the care symbols. Some brands put it on the main label, for example as a "Made in Bulgaria" line below the logo on the woven label. This is also a marketing decision: EU origin is seen as a sign of quality and control.
Origin as an advantage
Bulgarian and European brands increasingly highlight local production. "Made in Bulgaria" or "Made in EU" gives the buyer information about working conditions, quality control and shorter transport. If you produce in Bulgaria, you have grounds to show it – but also the responsibility to make sure the claim is true for every article.
Origin of accessories
Buttons, zips, labels and threads often come from different countries. This does not change the origin of the finished garment, which is determined by the sewing. Some brands, however, like to state that they use European components or well-known accessory brands, such as original third-party zips. Such information is better suited to the hang tag or the product description than to the care label, which should remain short and clear.
Common mistakes
- "Made in Bulgaria" on a product that was only finished or packed in Bulgaria.
- A flag or symbols suggesting an origin different from the actual one.
- The same label for articles sewn in different countries.
- No origin when exporting to a market that requires it.
- Origin printed only on the hang tag, which the buyer throws away, when the market requires permanent information on the product.
- Inconsistency between the label, the invoice and the customs documents when exporting.
Origin and traceability
Origin is only part of the information that allows a product to be traced. The EU General Product Safety Regulation requires the name and contact address of the manufacturer and an identification element, such as a batch or model number, on the product or, where this is not possible, on the packaging or in an accompanying document. That is why many brands put the origin, the company name and the article number together on the care label. You will find more options in our labels category.
Polkom – labels with origin and product data
Polkom is a manufacturer of labels and garment accessories from Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We print care and composition labels with composition, symbols, origin and brand data, with a sample before series production and delivery throughout the EU. Send an inquiry via our Contact page.
