What is the definition of 'made in the UK'?

Log in to reply
A

achilles

  • #1
    Once upon a time, it was quite common for a factory to produce finished items in which all the components were made in the UK - often in the final-product producer's own factory. These days, components are often brought in (even if to a company's own design), much from overseas, and perhaps only the final cutting and assembly is done in-house at a UK factory. Is such produce, even if made to bespoke order, 'Made in the UK' in law? Double glazing might be an example.
     
    Last edited by a moderator:
    D

    Dawg

  • #4
    From a Govt guide, (Northern Irish)
    (The Act is the 1968 Trade Descriptions Act.)

    "_ Where is the country of origin?
    Goods are deemed to have been manufactured or produced in the country in which they last underwent a treatment or process resulting in a substantial change.
    The term "substantial change'1 is not defined in the Act, although an Order made under it explicitly states that the process of silver-plating stainless-steel cutlery does not constitute a "substantial change". Generally, therefore, the meaning of this phrase is left to the trader to determine, but it would ultimately be for a court to decide, taking account of an ordinary person's perception of the circumstances surrounding the individual case, whether the particular country or place specified is indeed where the last substantial change took place. For example, placing a finished product into a container or outer box or carrying out a simple finishing process on a product would probably not be considered to be substantially changing the nature of the product. On the other hand. creating a garment from cloth, albeit imported. would be likely to be considered to result in such a change. If you are in doubt about where your goods originate, you should consult your local Trading Standards Office, or seek legal advice.

    It should be emphasised that it is not just country of origin statements which may mislead. Statements about a town, county or region, etc are also covered by the Act, as are any other statements about origin."

    So it depends on what you and your advisors think is "substantial". Which is clever law making as it means most err on the side of caution.
     
    Last edited by a moderator:
    • Like
    Reactions: Eleanor, achilles and noidea
    Upvote 0
    E

    Eleanor

    Free Member
    Mar 3, 2008
    390
    48
    Nottingham, UK
  • #7
    DuaneJackson said:
    Not very PC these days to not vet your supply chain.
    Click to expand...

    I totally agree, which is why I've just spent the last hour rummaging through endless swatch books and websites. Have found that the coutil I purchase is actually made in the UK - that makes up half of my product, so half the fabric is made in the UK, and the overall product is sewn and boned etc by myself here in the UK. So I think it's safe to say that my clothing and corsets are made in the UK.

    (I am pretty sure my silk comes directly from India but will phone tomorrow to make sure.)

    Dawg, that was very helpful, thank you :)
     
    Upvote 0
    A

    achilles

  • #8
    sirearl said:
    following on from this .

    is there a legal obligation to state the country of manufacture.?

    Earl
    Click to expand...

    No - according to Dawg's link.

    Generally speaking, there is no requirement in the law of the United Kingdom
    or the European Union for goods to bear marks indicating their origin, nor is
    there anything to prevent voluntary origin marking where traders wish to do
    so.
    Click to expand...
     
    • Like
    Reactions: sirearl
    Upvote 0
    Log in to reply

    Latest Articles

    Top Bottom
    Community
    Articles
    Menu