The EU must make the use of “made in” origin labels on goods imported from third countries mandatory, MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) reiterated in a plenary debate and vote recently. They objected to the Commission’s plans simply to withdraw the proposed “made in” regulation, which was strongly backed by Parliament in 2010, and asked it either to change its mind or to table an alternative.
Since member states have failed, to agree on mandatory origin labels for goods such as clothing, shoes, jewellery and glassware imported from third countries, the Commission must find other ways to level the playing field for EU manufacturers and their third country competitors, say MEPs. Only mandatory “made in” labelling enables buyers to make informed choices.
