PARTNER CONTENT – Apparel brands and retailers are increasingly confronted with a myriad of regulations aimed at promoting fair labour practices, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.
To help brands navigate this evolving landscape traceability experts Oritain present their ‘Global Regulatory Handbook for Apparel Brands & Retailers,’. This guide offers brands a comprehensive overview of new regulatory frameworks, guiding businesses through the complexities of compliance.
The global apparel industry, characterised by its cross-border operations, faces a diverse array of regulations that vary from country to country. Brands must adhere to fair labour practices, ensuring product safety, and meeting environmental standards.
What does the handbook cover?
Forced Labour Laws
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the 1930 Tariff Act are significant US legislations targeting forced labour. The UFLPA, effective since June 2022, mandates companies importing into the USA to provide clear evidence that their products are free from forced labour.
Canada’s ‘Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act,’ effective since January 2024, requires entities to report measures taken to prevent forced and child labour and prohibits importing goods produced under such conditions, with penalties reaching up to CAD 250,000.
Similarly, the EU’s ban on products made with forced labor, effective April 2024, mandates withdrawal or disposal of non-compliant products and imposes penalties on economic operators.
Brazil’s “Dirty List,” operational since 2004 and updated in 2020, publicly lists employers exploiting slave labour, restricting their access to state loans and credit.
Sustainability and Deforestation Laws
New York’s Fashion Act Proposed in 2022, New York’s Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act applies to fashion sellers and manufacturers with over US$100m in annual gross receipts.
Effective since 2023, France’s Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law impacts producers, importers, and distributors generating significant waste.
The EU Deforestation Regulation Enforced from December 2024, ensures only deforestation-free products enter the EU market.
Due Diligence and Corporate Responsibility
California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, effective since January 2012, requires large retailers and manufacturers doing business in California to disclose efforts to eliminate slavery and human trafficking from their supply chains, focusing on verification, audits, certification, accountability, and training.
The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) Proposed in 2022, applies to large companies operating in high-risk sectors, requiring due diligence to mitigate human rights violations and environmental impacts.
The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act Effective since January 2023, mandates large companies to establish risk management systems to address human rights violations and environmental damage throughout their supply chains.
Overcoming Regulatory Barriers with Oritain
Oritain’s approach to supply chain transparency leverages isotopic analysis to verify the origin of raw materials. This scientific technique, rooted in criminal forensics, provides a unique “Origin Fingerprint” for products, ensuring authenticity without disrupting manufacturing processes. Oritain’s robust methodology offers court-admissible evidence and integrates seamlessly with existing systems, enhancing traceability and compliance efforts for brands.
The handbook can be downloaded at the link below:
