The Made in Britain mark is a registered collective trademark used under licence by eligible members. Before putting it on clothing, packaging or a website, check that both your business and the products concerned meet the scheme's rules.
This guide explains eligibility, membership, logo permission and the difference between the official mark and ordinary country-of-origin wording.
About this guide: GB Labels is not currently a member of Made in Britain. We supply labels and provide this information as an independent guide.
What is the Made in Britain mark?
Made in Britain is a membership organisation for manufacturers. Its protected marks identify products made in Great Britain or Northern Ireland under its published terms. The organisation specifies different marks for manufacture in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Membership includes a licence to use the appropriate trademark. It does not give every UK-based brand permission to add the logo to every product it sells. Read the organisation's registered-trademark guidance before commissioning artwork.
The official mark and country-of-origin labels
| Label or claim | What to check |
|---|---|
| The official Made in Britain logo | Current licence, eligible products and the scheme's artwork rules. |
| Ordinary wording such as “Made in UK” | Evidence that the origin description accurately represents the finished product. |
| “Designed in Britain” | Evidence about the design work; do not let the presentation imply manufacture somewhere it did not take place. |
The general Made in UK labels pictured above illustrate country-of-origin wording. They are not the official membership mark and do not confer membership or a licence.
GOV.UK's product-labelling guidance says labels must not mislead customers about where or how goods were made, or who endorses them. A flag, product description and surrounding images all contribute to the impression a customer receives.
Who can qualify for Made in Britain membership?
The scheme's eligibility guidance focuses on manufacturing that substantially transforms materials or components in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. It also specifies that all labour making the finished product carrying the mark must be located there.
Imported materials and decorated blanks
Imported raw materials do not automatically rule out an application. Explain how they become the finished product. If you buy an imported garment and print, embroider or relabel it locally, ask the scheme to assess that process before assuming it qualifies.
Outsourced and white-label manufacturing
The eligibility questions cover businesses working with other manufacturers. The guidance also says a manufacturer's licence does not automatically cover a white-label customer's product; the selling business needs the relevant sub-licensing arrangement. Ask Made in Britain which arrangement applies to your supply chain.
How to apply and check the membership cost
- Read the current eligibility guidance, terms and conditions and Code of Conduct.
- Gather a clear account of what you make, where it is made and which manufacturers are involved.
- Use the official application form and provide the requested business and manufacturing evidence.
- Confirm the applicable fee, permission and product coverage before ordering branded labels.
- Use the supplied artwork and handbook, and keep your membership and product information up to date.
The application page publishes annual licence fees based on turnover, with VAT stated separately. Check the charge and renewal arrangements for your business directly with the scheme.
Fee update: at our November 2026 review, Made in Britain had announced new fees taking effect on 1 December 2026. Check the applicable rates before budgeting or renewing.
What can membership offer a clothing business?
Alongside the trademark licence, the scheme promotes member and product directories and opportunities to share members' news. Consider which of these opportunities you would actually use: maintaining a useful profile, supplying good product photographs and contributing relevant updates all take time.
The Code of Conduct addresses responsible business practices and compliance with applicable product rules. Keep separate evidence for safety, performance and environmental claims; displaying a membership logo does not replace the testing or information your product needs.
Will the Made in Britain mark increase sales?
There is no guaranteed sales increase for an individual business. The commercial value depends on your customers, products, sales channels and how you use the membership.
Before joining, ask customers and retail buyers whether provenance influences their decisions. Decide how you will measure value: relevant enquiries, directory referrals, repeat orders or introductions to suitable partners. Review those results against the annual cost and the time spent using the benefits.
How to explain British manufacturing to customers
Specific information helps a customer understand your product. Where supported by your records, describe where cutting, sewing, weaving or assembly takes place and distinguish that from design, printing or packing.
Check the description for each product range, especially if suppliers or processes change. A British business address does not establish the origin of everything you sell. If several countries are involved, get appropriate advice about the wording for the finished item.
The CMA's unfair-commercial-practices guidance addresses misleading claims and unauthorised marks. Keep records supporting factual descriptions and make sure any approval or membership claim remains current.
Choosing labels for your clothing range
Once you have confirmed the wording and any logo permission, choose a format suited to the product. GB Labels supplies woven Made In country-of-origin labels and custom woven labels for your own design.
For licensed artwork, provide the official files and the applicable brand instructions. Check the finished visible size, colours, fold and stitching allowance before approving production. Our guide to label folds can help you plan the construction.
Origin or branding information may need to sit alongside composition and care details. Use our care-label planning guide to consider the information needed for the garment. Compare materials with our label sample packs, or contact GB Labels with your confirmed wording and specification.
Common Made in Britain questions
Can I use the official logo without membership?
The organisation licenses its protected marks to members under its terms. Buying a label or downloading a logo does not give you that permission. Confirm your entitlement before using the mark.
Does a Made in UK label mean I am a scheme member?
No. Ordinary origin wording and the official membership mark are different. The wording still needs to be accurate for the product receiving it.
What if my membership ends?
Review your labels, packaging, website and marketing claims. Ask the organisation about the terms affecting existing stock or earlier artwork; do not assume previous membership authorises new use.
Official references and further reading
- Made in Britain: registered trademarks and licensed use.
- Made in Britain: membership eligibility.
- GOV.UK: product labelling and accurate descriptions.
- Made in Britain: Code of Conduct.
- Made in Britain: application and membership information.
Guidance reviewed: 5 November 2026.
Thanks for reading!
Pete
