Around 8,000 chemical substances are used in the manufacturing process for clothing and other textile products, according to a study by researcher Audrey Millet. On Monday 30 January, MEP Saskia Bricmont presented the results of the study and its recommendations on international trade.
The 50-page report analyses toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic substances used in the clothing and textile sector that threaten workers, consumers and the environment. After having taken stock of the situation, the author recommended the following: - changes in the European REACH regulation on chemical substances; - better inform consumers by means of labelling; - adapt the EU’s trade policy.
The Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) (see EUROPE 13088/18) is a lever for encouraging producer countries to adopt more ambitious rules, as are the free trade agreements that are currently being negotiated with India and Indonesia, for example, says Audrey Millet.
The EU should also introduce mirror clauses to ensure reciprocal health and environmental standards on imported products, say Ms Millet and Ms Bricmont.
Such measures would then be consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules since they would address global concerns, Millet said.
That said, the current WTO rules are not adequate for achieving sustainable development goals, according to the policy advisor of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), Léa Auffret.
See the study: https://aeur.eu/f/54r (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)