What "Made in Europe" Really Means
Summary: "Made in Europe" is about origin under customs rules, not marketing slogans. This page explains how origin is determined, the difference between "made in" vs "designed in", and the documents that prove it.
1) Origin in practice
Origin is determined by where a product was wholly obtained or where its last substantial transformation took place. The EU maintains product-specific rules of origin.
2) Proofs of origin you can look for
- Commercial documents: invoices with origin declarations, supplier addresses.
- Movement certificates: e.g.,
EUR.1for preferential origin in certain trade contexts. - Factory evidence: factory name, address, audit certificates, photos.
3) "Made in" vs "Designed in"
"Designed in Europe" describes design location but says nothing about manufacturing. Always look for manufacturing proof.
4) How we verify (our methodology)
- Collect the brand’s claim and basic company/label details.
- Find manufacturing partners (factories) and addresses via trade registries and labels.
- Cross-check with third parties (industry bodies, labs, certifications).
- Assign a verification level (1–3) and link all sources.
EEAT sources
- EU Taxation & Customs: Proofs of origin (EUR.1 etc.)
- EU Access2Markets: Rules of origin
- EU Single Market – product rules
Continue to country pages: Italy · Portugal · Or see European-made shoes.