A law passed by the Italian Parliament last Wednesday imposes tougher conditions and aims to raise standards for textiles, shoes and leather goods bearing the “Made in Italy” label.

From 1st October goods bearing the label will also have to carry a guarantee showing that they conform to certain standards and are hygienic and safe. The certificate must also state that environmental standards have been respected and that no minors have been involved at any stage in the manufacture of the goods.

Manufacturers will have to be able to prove that their products were primarily made in Italy and, if any part of the work was carried out elsewhere, a traceable location must be shown. In addition, all textiles, shoes and leather goods sold in Italy but manufactured outside its territory will have to carry a label showing the country of production.

An October date has been set for implementation of the law in order to allow time for its approval by the European Parliament, where it has been well received, and a similar labelling law may soon be applied in all European Union countries.

What kind of Italian products do you like to buy?