BFA and FDRA form footwear alliance
23/04/2015
The associations will share data and regulatory and customs insights and are working on ways they can combine efforts to enhance social compliance at footwear factories around the globe
BFA chairman Michael Kelly said: “Our new alliance will greatly help British footwear companies better understand the US market, as well as the cumbersome import rules and product safety regulations impacting UK companies. We will likewise provide similar information to American footwear companies seeking to grow their market share in the UK.”
BFA Chief Executive John Saunders said: “In terms of buying power, the American footwear market is the largest in the world. US and UK footwear companies face the same challenges in terms of market access, sourcing and increasing product regulations. There are enormous benefits from developing a closer working relationship, and this will broaden the international co-operation we already have with European footwear associations through our membership of the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CEC).”
FDRA President Matt Priest said customs, product safety, and compliance rules are changing and the collaboration will aid members’ understanding. “In addition, this is the first step to enhance our collaborative efforts in advocating for the fair treatment of footwear in markets across the globe, and we will also work with the BFA on FDRA’s industry Code of Conduct and Responsible Footwear Manufacturing Program.”
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