Posts

January 23rd, 2025

   A Tarrific start to the Year! We begin this year as we ended 2024 with considerable confusion about US trade policy and the knock-on effect it will have in Canada.  At the same time, some of the issues raised in the US election and amplified in the lead-up to the inauguration are finally here and as these election platforms become government policy, some of the normal procedures take hold. Like the complexity of adding tariffs on Canada and Mexico. …

January 23rd, 2025

  We begin this year as we ended 2024 with considerable confusion about US economic policy and the knock-on effect it will have in Canada.  At the same time, some of the issues that have been raised in the US election and  amplified in the lead-up to the inauguration are finally here. As some of these election platforms become government policy and priorities, some of the normal procedures take hold.  It remains uncertain what the US government will do regarding …

January 22nd, 2025

While the political chaos at the federal level has taken precedence over the last few weeks, it's useful to understand what was included in the Dec. 16th Fall Economic Statement (FES), which led to the resignation of the Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and eventually the resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau.   Because  Parliament has been prorogued until March, the Fall Economic Statement (FES) tabled on Dec. 16, 2024, is no longer moving forward.  At the same time, it is useful to …

January 15th, 2025

The OEKO-TEX® Association has released the updated testing criteria, limit values and guidelines for its certifications. Key changes include enhanced organic cotton certification through OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON, with inclusion in OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN, stricter BPA limits under OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and rigorous transparency requirements for leather supply chains under OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD. The expanded OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT will include commodity chemicals and biodegradability verification. Following the transition period, the revised standards will take effect on 1st April 2025. For more details contact Testex, …

December 23rd, 2024

  Competition Bureau Launches Public Consultation on Environmental Claims Guidelines The Competition Bureau is inviting Canadians to provide feedback on its proposed guidelines concerning environmental claims. These guidelines aim to help businesses assess whether their environmental claims comply with the Competition Act, including new provisions relating to greenwashing added in June 2024. To review the draft guidance, click HERE. The deadline for comments is Feb. 28, 2025. Key Points: Guidelines for Businesses: The proposed guidelines do not dictate when or how …

December 20th, 2024

  News for Dec 20, 2024 A turbulent end to a turbulent year. Looming tariff threats, an imploding federal government and weary consumers.  Not the ideal way to enter the holidays!  But from our perspective, that are reasons to be hopeful this holiday season.  We welcome the support of many new members and we are gratified that we are making a difference to so many companies.  We have received hugely positive feedback from members about recent events and initiatives. Our …

December 17th, 2024

Canadian consumers are seeking premium, authentic Italian products now more than ever, reflecting a broader shift toward quality and sustainability. To meet this demand, Italian manufacturers are embracing cutting-edge technology thanks to the Italian Trade Agency’s TrackIT Blockchain program – a digital business solution ensuring authenticity, traceability, and transparency. “By partnering with an Italian TrackIT Blockchain supplier, Canadian companies can trace a product’s journey from raw materials to purchase, bolstering global trust of the Made in Italy brand and responding to …

December 12th, 2024

NEW Safe Sleep Factsheets from Health Canada Preventable sleep-related infant deaths and injuries continue to happen. In Canada, between 2015 and 2020, approximately 7 in 10 infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly in their sleep were sleeping on a surface not intended for sleep such as an adult bed, couch, playpen, infant chair, car seat or stroller. Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Program has released four new safe sleep factsheets to provide parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals and educators with downloadable, printable resources about safe …

December 11th, 2024

  CAF Webinar: Trade Policy Update Date: Dec. 18, 2024   2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT  The Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) will present a detailed update on important trade and sourcing issues affecting the sector.  The webinar will cover a variety of important trade programs and agreements affecting Canada’s trade landscape, including: TRADE North American free trade - status of CUSMA renewal North American free trade - US Tariffs LDC Program - changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2025 Canada-Indonesia FTA CP-TPP …

December 3rd, 2024

Though hard to predict even in the best of times, the fashion industry is in for a particularly tumultuous and uncertain 2025. A long-feared cyclical slowdown has arrived. Consumers, scarred by the recent period of high inflation, are increasingly price-sensitive. There is also the surprising rise of dupes, the acceleration of climate change and the continued reshuffling of global trade. Regional differences, which came into focus in 2024, will become even starker in the coming year. In short, the negative …