Friday, October 4, 2013

Bringing a Product to Market with Fashion Compliance

Earlier this week I had the privilege of addressing members of the Pan African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, commonly known as "AWEP," together with fellow OWIT International (Organization of Women in International Trade) members who joined me as panelists.



Evident from the products in the conference hall and the silence that fell across the room as I began my discussion, many in attendance were involved in the African textiles and wearing apparel industry.

My presentation on Fashion Compliance with respect to proper labeling in order to bring products in to the United States (US) lawfully, and hence, bring a product “to market,” therefore turned out to be of particular interest.

"Why does proper labeling matter?" you may be wondering?

It is important for a few critical reasons.

First, without it, the products you plan to sell in the US may never be authorized for entry into the country for consumption since US federal laws regulate the clothing sold here.

Second, if you want the parties that buy from you to consider you a trusted vendor, your products need to be certified for compliance with US law so that your retail customers can buy from you with confidence.

Last but certainly not least, consumers actually need some of the information, such as how to care for the garment, and with the ultimate purchaser as the end user, every producer of a good wants to keep that final user’s best interests in mind.

The presentation also included some points and "quick math" around the AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity) and how it is actually used, as the US Government - which is currently *shut down* - has done little to educate users on how it can be best taken advantage of.

More articles on the AGOA agreement can be found at the links below:

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2011/12/african-fashion-industry-and-agoa.html

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2012/08/agoa-third-country-fabric-provision.html

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2012/09/agoa-renewal-recommendations-sought-by.html

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2012/07/africa-sourcing-and-agoa-extension.html


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