Labeling Issues News Archive

11.05.07

At the request of AAFA, and other industry groups, the United States and Europe tabled a proposal last week in the World Trade Organization (WTO) to harmonize labeling practices for textiles, apparel, footwear and travel goods. The proposal, which would be considered as part of the Doha multilateral trade talks, is intended to remove a plethora of diverse labeling practices that often serve as non-tariff trade barriers. If adopted, the new language would restrict the ability of WTO members to impose arbitrary labeling requirements.

09.24.07

Thanks to the efforts of AAFA and many other American and European organizations and companies, the European Commission issued a formal proposal on September 10 to withdraw the European Union (EU) directive that would have required metric-only labels and designations on products sold in the European Union beginning in 2010. The new proposal would allow dual-labeling (metric and inches/pounds) to continue indefinitely. While the EU Parliament and Council of Ministers must still approve the proposal, there appears to be no opposition.