New Code of Conduct to Boost Garment Exports.

NEW DELHI: Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and the textiles ministry on Wednesday launched a common code of conduct for the garment industry to encourage members to follow better social and labour practices and counter claims against the labour practices in India.

In the past, Indian exporters have often had to face protests and restrictions as other countries have raised concerns related to child labour and working conditions in Indian garment and textile units. The industry as well as the government has termed these as non-tariff barriers to restrict imports of Indian products in European and American markets.

"This common compliance code will not only give the opportunity for the industry to negate international claims against child labour promotion in the garment industry, but will also help to improve the image of the industry and win more international businesses," AEPC chairman Premal Udani said at a press conference. Driving Industry Towards Sustainable Human Capital Advancement (Disha) is a programme that attempts to educate apparel exporting members on code of ethics that covers social and environmental concerns like child labour, health and industrial safety.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com