Posts

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, …

January 10th, 2025

Some importers have been encountering customs clearane challenges when importing apparel from LDCs. The B255 form is required for LDCT customs clearance but the version available online from CBSA is out of date - it reflects the rules of origin up to December 31, 2024. The rules of origin have changed effective January 1, but CBSA has not updated the documentation. We have been aware of this issue since mid-December, 2024, and brought this to the attention of CBSA and …

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 To review the draft guidance, click HERE.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 …

November 29th, 2024

CS Payment proudly offers cutting-edge payment processing technology with exclusive rates for CAF members across Canada. Accept Visa, Mastercard, Interac, Amex, and more, with next-morning deposits to any bank.  Maximize your savings with our merchant surcharge program, reducing processing fees by up to 80%.  Our offerings include:- A full range of Clover terminals, tablets, and POS systems- Internet connectivity via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or LTE- An online dashboard for real-time data visibility- Email payment requests and inventory management Contact us to …

November 25th, 2024

  Canadian Apparel Directory: Showcase Your Brand to a National Audience The Canadian Apparel Federation is excited to announce the launch of our redesigned national industry directory! Our new platform offers a streamlined and visually appealing experience, making it easier than ever to connect with key players in the Canadian apparel industry. Our previous directory was outdated and cumbersome. The new directory is user-friendly, allowing you to effortlessly create and update your company listing. We invite you to create a …