What Does Made in PRC Mean? How to Source Products Made in PRC?

In the complex global trade network, whether in online cross-border e-commerce or offline retail stores and supermarkets, the label "Made in PRC" is visible on a wide range of products. Upon closer examination, you will find that these products are often priced lower while maintaining superior quality.

Yes, "Made in PRC" is a noteworthy and magical label. But have you ever considered what it truly signifies? What is PRC? Where is PRC located? And as a retailer, how can you effectively source high-quality and low-cost products with this label?

As a 20-year sourcing expert from China, we have engaged in deep discussions with many large retailers to reveal the mystery behind this label. We hope this blog can provide you with valuable insights to help you maximize your profits with the Made in PRC label.

What Does Made in PRC Mean?

In fact, " Made in PRC " is equivalent to another label you recognize. PRC stands for the People's Republic of China, which is the official name of China. Therefore, "Made in PRC" and "Made in China" essentially express the same meaning; "Made in PRC" and "Made in China" can be used interchangeably, both of which officially indicate that the production location of the product is in the People’s Republic of China. It is just another way to indicate that the product is made in China.

Some consumers initially misunderstand that "Made in PRC" refers to a new region at first. In fact, these two labels carry the same basic meaning.

Additionally, "Made in China" is more than just a geographical designation. It signifies that all aspects of production— from labor and resources to manufacturing strategies and expertise — have unfolded within the PRC. Every step, from design conceptualization, meticulous material sourcing, assembly, and rigorous quality checks, to packaging and delivery, occurs within the PRC.

Is Made in PRC Legal?

The "Made in PRC" label is legally recognized worldwide. International trade laws acknowledge "People’s Republic of China (PRC)" as the official name of China, and institutions like the United Nations also recognize it. Therefore, "Made in PRC" holds the same legal status as "Made in China."

However, legal labeling does not necessarily mean that trade is legal. International trade is complex, and different countries will interpret labels differently when engaging in cross-border trade. Customs in some countries may require that the English name of the country of origin be attached to the original packaging of the product, and abbreviations are not allowed. Country of origin markings that do not explicitly specify "China" may be considered illegal and non-compliant.

For instance, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations explicitly state that the country of origin must be unmistakably expressed in English. Even when using abbreviations, it's essential to ensure that the abbreviation still leaves no doubt about the country of origin it represents

Acceptable Abbreviations (According to U.S. Customs)

• China
• P.R. China
• China, P.R.

Illegal Abbreviations (According to U.S. Customs)

• P.R.C.
• People's Republic, C.
• Made in PRC

Therefore, when importing products from China, you must carefully check product labels to comply with customs regulations.

Why Manufacturers Switch "Made in China" for "Made in PRC"?

If "Made in PRC" and "Made in China" essentially mean the same message, and "Made in China" was once globally popular. So why do so many manufacturers prefer "Made in PRC"? The reasons can be categorized into two main points.

Enhancing Brand Image

Although "Made in China" enjoys widespread recognition and success in the global market. However, it has become associated with certain stereotypes, particularly in developed nations like the United States. For a long time, many retailers and consumers in developed regions have perceived products made in China are inferior, even for globally recognized and global brands.

However, China has broken this stereotype with its manufacturing strengths to deliver high-quality products at competitive prices. To reduce regional identification of products and attract a broader customer base, many manufacturers choose "Made in PRC." This simple modification plays a crucial role in enhancing brand image and boosting sales.

Compliance with International Trade Standards

Though "China" is a familiar term, in fact, PRC is the official English abbreviation of the People's Republic of China and is widely used in international trade and official documents. Although the "Made in China" label is also recognized by customs in many countries. But most manufacturers prefer "Made in PRC" to ensure full compliance with global trade regulations. This is to ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid potential delays or additional costs due to labeling issues.

Why Most Prefer to Source Products Made in PRC?

You may have noticed that many consumers in the market and businesses worldwide are increasingly favoring "Made in PRC" products over alternatives from other regions. Why is this? After 20 years of product research, we have found that Made in PRC products or PRC manufacturing have three major advantages.

Mature Manufacturing Ecosystem

The Chinese manufacturing industry has a long history, with significant government investment, leading to a well-established supply chain. This ecosystem includes every part from raw material sourcing to product assembly, quality control, and global logistics. This makes processes more efficient and cost-effective, allowing businesses to produce quality products at lower costs.

Rich Production Capacity and Flexibility

Chinese manufacturers cover almost every industry because of its vast territory and diverse natural resources. Whether you need to produce simple consumer goods or high-end tech products, Chinese manufacturers can offer the best solutions for your needs.

Strong Cost Advantage

Cost control is critical for maximizing profits in every industry. Compared to Western countries, China provides a strong cost advantage. Compared to Southeast Asia, China has higher technological capabilities.

How to Efficiently Source Products Made in PRC?

Once you decide to source products "Made in PRC," you should consider how to do this efficiently. After all, every retailer knows that sourcing from China has great advantages, but challenges such as international logistics and language barriers may arise.

Therefore, working with a trustworthy sourcing agent will be the best way for you to navigate these challenges.

Supplier Selection

Finding a trustworthy manufacturer or sourcing agent is the basis for successful procurement. Online platforms, industry fairs, and peer recommendations are all effective channels for finding reliable suppliers. Although online sourcing platforms such as Alibaba and 1688 are very convenient, you may encounter problems such as supplier deception, language barriers, and time zone differences. While trade fairs like the Canton Fair allow direct supplier interaction and product inspection, attending them may incur high costs.

An experienced sourcing agent can help you solve these issues easily. A professional sourcing agent, like EJET Procurement, already has thousands of reliable suppliers in its database, without the hassle of searching for suppliers yourself. EJET has established long-term cooperative relationships with these reliable suppliers. This ensures that you get better products at the lowest cost.

International Logistics & Delivery

Managing international logistics requires extensive resources, and many retailers, both small and large, find this challenging. But it is something you have to solve. China’s vast geography means sourced products may come from different regions, so you should require consolidation, shipping arrangements, and customs handling. Any issue in the process can lead to delays and financial losses.

We are very confident about this. So I have to highly recommend EJET Procurement again. With 20 years of global sourcing experience, we excel in handling international logistics. We offer cost-effective international shipping solutions, partnering with reliable carriers to ensure timely and safe delivery worldwide. We also manage customs and documentation to ensure a seamless process.

Additionally, we provide digital procurement, Product Branding, Product Development, and supply chain finance services.

Final Words

All images sourced from Pexels.