European retailers welcome Textile Names and Labelling Regulation

Today’s adoption by the European Parliament of a Regulation

on textile names and related labelling of textile products was welcomed by the European Association of Fashion Retailers, AEDT. This long-called-for and much needed Regulation simplifies the existing regulatory framework for the development of innovative fibres and, in reducing the time that elapses before a new fibre can enter the market, should increase their uptake. “By cutting red tape and facilitating the placing on the market of novel fibres, this Regulation should foster innovation in the textile and clothing sector which is good news for European fashion and footwear retailers" said AEDT’s President, Betty van Arenthals.

The vote in Parliament was the culmination of a long negotiation process during which a number of substantive amendments to what was essentially a technical proposal from the Commission were adopted, thereby extending the scope of the final Regulation. Despite this, AEDT is happy that the essence of the Commission’s original proposal was maintained, the aim of which was to help the European apparel and textile industry remain competitive at the international level.

The Association is also glad that the eventual introduction of additional labelling requirements at the EU level will be preceded by the drafting of a report looking into the feasibility and added value of possible future labelling schemes. “We’re delighted the EU institutions have committed themselves to carrying out an extensive stakeholder consultation and thorough impact assessment before proposing any future labelling requirements instead of surreptitiously introducing potentially detrimental legislation through the back door” commented Mrs van Arenthals.

AEDT is pleased to note that this report will take into account existing legislation as well as pre-established European and international standards and trusts that any resulting legislative proposals will be appropriate and proportionate to the needs of consumers. “We look forward to participating in the consultation process that will accompany the Commission’s report and hope to ensure that any future legislation is both in the public interest and takes into consideration the pressures already weighing on Europe’s entrepreneurs” remarked Mrs van Arenthals. “In this respect, we are convinced that in many cases, the EU would do better to ensure the proper implementation of existing legislation rather than imposing needless and burdensome additional obligations which would ultimately act as brake on, rather than a lever to, the EU’s competitiveness” she added.