Made in Germany. German furniture representatives present a new label for furniture made in Germany
A “Made in Germany” inscription is a sign of quality recognised around the world. The Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) has released a new “Furniture Made in Germany” origin mark, effective as of 1 June. “With this new label, consumers can be assured that they are buying furniture that was manufactured in Germany,” says Jan Kurth, managing director of the VDM. The VDM developed and implemented the mark jointly with the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification (RAL), which also defined the requirements that ensure a high quality standard. In order for a product to display the mark, it must have been designed, assembled and quality-assured in Germany. In addition, the manufacturing process that is relevant for the quality must have predominantly taken place in Germany. The label is the first origin mark to have been recognised by RAL for furniture and is also the first for any everyday object in general. The German Quality Assurance Association for Furniture (DGM) will monitor compliance with the criteria on behalf of the VDM. Kurth believes that the new label offers an opportunity for the domestic furniture industry to increase its share of sales in its home market. Two-thirds of all furniture sold in Germany currently comes from abroad. “But we anticipate improved sales opportunities in the export market, too,” says the VDM managing director. Hans Strothoff, president of the German Furniture and Kitchens Trade Association (BVDM), finds that German-made products are important for many consumers: “The mark gives our industry great momentum because it underscores the excellent quality of our domestic manufacturers, local origins and, by extension, the idea of sustainability.” There were already 45 companies that had applied for the mark for their products at the time of launching.
