Yes, Since 2004
BRIO is now a Chinese-made product with a Swedish name. Manufacturing moved to Guangdong in 2004, and that’s where your train set was built. Three alternatives that do pass are listed below.
*Go here if you’re looking for more Toys Not Made in China*
What BRIO Is
BRIO was founded in Osby, Sweden in 1884 by Ivar Bengtsson, originally as a basket-making operation. The company introduced its wooden railway system in 1958. The modular track design — beech wood rails connecting with a peg-and-hole system — became one of the most recognized toy formats in Europe and North America. Sets from the 1970s are still compatible with sets sold today, which is part of what built the brand’s reputation for durability.
BRIO was acquired by the Ravensburger Group in 2015 and is now a subsidiary of the German puzzle and game company. Headquarters and design operations remain in Sweden.
When Production Moved to China
In 2004, following a change in ownership to Swedish investment company Proventus, BRIO moved most of its production to three factories in Guangdong Province, China. The move was driven by cost reduction. At the time, the shift was documented but not prominently publicized — BRIO’s Swedish identity and heritage remained central to its marketing while the manufacturing base changed entirely.
Ravensburger’s acquisition in 2015 did not reverse the production move. BRIO products continue to be manufactured in China under Ravensburger ownership.
What the Box Says
The country of manufacture is marked on the packaging. BRIO boxes state “Made in China.” This is the controlling document — not the brand’s Swedish heritage, not the Ravensburger association, and not the FSC-certified wood claim, which refers to the sourcing of the wood rather than where the product is made.
If you have older BRIO sets at home that say “Made in Sweden” or “Made in Europe,” those predate 2004. New stock in stores today is Chinese-made.
What's Still True About BRIO
The design is still Swedish. The FSC-certified wood sourcing claim appears to still apply to the wood used in manufacturing. The compatibility across generations of track is genuine. None of that changes the manufacturing origin.
This matters because BRIO is frequently recommended on “not made in China” lists and in parenting forums as a European alternative to mass-market toys. That recommendation is based on the brand’s origin, not its current manufacturing. The two are not the same.
Three Better Alternatives
- Maple Landmark – Vermont-made wooden train sets using American sugar maple since 1979. Their NameTrains line is BRIO-compatible and built in Middlebury, VT. As domestic as it gets. Check prices on Amazon for Maple Landmark 7 Letter NameTrains ~$70.
- PlanToys – Manufactured entirely in Trang, Thailand since 1981 using reclaimed rubberwood. Non-toxic water-based finishes, FSC-certified. A strong eco-credentials alternative for parents who care about both origin and materials. Check prices on Amazon for the PlanToys Classic Train Wooden Vehicle Toy ~$35.
- Holztiger – Designed in Germany, handcrafted in Romania from native maple and beech. Non-toxic water-based paints, CE and CPSC compliant. A natural fit alongside any BRIO set — the figure-heavy aesthetic is different but the quality standard is the same. Check prices on Amazon for Lion Toy Figure ~$29.
We verify country-of-origin claims using manufacturer disclosures, product labels, and trade records. If something has changed, email us at webmaster@whybuyfromchina.com
Last verified April 2026.
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
