Recently, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the Fair Wear Foundation formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding for a comprehensive one-year program aimed at strengthening suppliers’ voices in the consultations and enhancing the capacity of Indian textile exporters to comprehend the upcoming EU due diligence frameworks. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which went into effect in May 2024, requires European businesses to do thorough due diligence on human rights and environmental issues throughout international supply chains. By creating a uniform legal framework across the EU, this regulation is anticipated to lessen the variety of reporting requirements while promoting equality of opportunity and legal clarity. Indian manufacturers now have the chance to implement environmental and human rights due diligence (HRDD) procedures, which will increase their bargaining power and provide them a better awareness of their potential and dangers.
According to Sh. Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI, “the CSDDD is a transformative development for the Indian textile and apparel sector.” “By embracing this directive, our industry can not only meet global standards but also leverage shared responsibilities with brands, engage meaningfully with stakeholders, and address power imbalances.”
A capacity building workshop titled “Sustainable Practices: Navigating Social and Environmental Compliances” was organized by the Fair Wear Foundation and CITI in cooperation with the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) in Surat on July 24, 2024.
The Regulatory Representatives & Managers Association (RRMA) and Fair Wear Foundation, two knowledge partners, shared their perspectives throughout the event and emphasized the significance of chemical compliance in the textile value chain.
Participants received instruction on social due diligence, including the CSDDD’s effects on brands, an overview of their environmental and due diligence responsibilities, and a description of the strategy the directive specifies for combating climate change. Important talks included topics such as business partner duties, government monitoring and punishments, brand responsibility, and incorporating due diligence into corporate policy.
The worldwide regulatory framework for chemical management in different nations has been discussed by RRMA and ZDHC, with an emphasis on how crucial compliance with laws is to safeguarding the environment and public health. It talks about certain laws, accountable bodies, duties of compliance, the circular economy, and environmentally friendly chemical management techniques. With an emphasis on regulatory standards, hazardous chemical classification, sustainability certifications, and the worldwide regulatory environment, the publication seeks to shed light on chemical compliance in the textile industry. It draws attention to how important certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, ZDHC, Blue Sign, Cradle to Cradle, and Eco Label are for encouraging eco-friendly practices in the textile sector.The series’ next workshop, organized in cooperation with the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA), is scheduled for July 26, 2024, in Coimbatore.