The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) recently hosted a workshop on the implications of REACH legislation on the Indian textile Industry.

The workshop emphasised the need for textile producers to prepare themselves for the new legislation, which will be a “serious” challenge for the sector.

Sudhir Sekhri, chairman, AEPC, Vimal Kirti Singh, secretary general, AEPC, and Mr Shanmugasundaram from TUV Rhineland, explained the importance of REACH for the Indian textile industry and the practical steps needed to implement the regulations.

Suppliers from India will need to provide their buyers in the EU with all the necessary information required under the REACH legislation concerning the substances used in the manufacturing of textiles and apparel. Exporters who are not able to provide this information will experience a reduced market share.

The immediate issue of concern, according to the organisers, is that most chemical suppliers within the country are not REACH compliant, which makes it difficult for producers further along the chain to comply with the regulations.

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