AbstractThis paper summarises the European R&D efforts for the manufacture of shield modules and divertor cassettes for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), including their plasma facing components. The various development steps are described as they had to be taken to resolve the fabrication issues, and to keep track with the evolving design requirements and solutions. For all components, the manufacturing feasibility has been demonstrated on prototype scale which puts Europe in the position to start the procurement as soon as the decision about ITER construction is taken. The time period remaining until then is used to optimise the fabrication processes and to develop more cost effective alternatives.