Euratex, the voice of the European Textile & Clothing industry has hailed TTIP negotiations between Europe and the US and sees them as an excellent opportunity for facilitating trade to the mutual benefit of European and American companies, in particular SMEs.
In a position paper, Euratex has identified various standard-related matters that need to be tackled in the TTIP for textile and apparel products.
Among them, labelling requirements cover the care instructions, the fiber names disclosed in a garment composition label and the use of the super S scheme for the labelling of wool products.
"Concerning the consumer safety requirements, the European industry raises questions on children products and on flammability requirements that apply to clothing and other textile products as home textiles and personal protective equipment,” it says.
Moreover, Euratex underlines the burdensome customs procedures T&C companies have to face when exporting to the US. Last but not least, Euratex states it is of utmost importance that the US open its public procurement.
In particular, for textile & clothing products, Euratex stresses that the ‘Berry Amendment’ which prohibits the Department of Defence to purchase products not 100% made in America should be removed. (AR)
