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.
No one should underestimate the scope of the changes that the US administration is seeking. But at the same time, there will be many twists and turns as these promises are converted into policy. At this stage, we encourage everyone with an interest in the US trade agenda to read the America First Trade Policy - a sweeping policy declaration, .... More Info
News
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Fall Economic Statement |
While the political chaos at the federal level has taken precedence, it's useful to understand what was included in the Fall Economic Statement (FES) which led to the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and eventually the resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau. Because Parliament has been prorogued until March, the Fall Economic Statement will not move forward, but important policies for this sector were included in the document … [More Info - this article is restricted to CAF members]
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PFAS Reporting Deadline Looms
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The deadline for Canadian companies to report the presence of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their products is rapidly approaching. In 2024 the Canadian government, under the Canadian Environment Protection Act (CEPA), launched an exercise to collect information on PFAS substances in products sold in Canada. This notification was published in July of this year. The deadline for companies to report is January 29, 2025. … [More Info]
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Oeko-tex updates testing criteria |
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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. … [More Info]
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Update on Least Developed Countries Tariff - January 2025 |
Some importers have been encountering customs clearance challenges when importing apparel from LDCs after January 1, 2025. 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 … [More Info - this article is restricted to CAF members]
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Competition Bureau Publishes Draft Greenwashing Guidelines |
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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. … [More Info]
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Italian Fashion: Track, Trace, and Authenticate |
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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. [More Info]
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Events
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Digital Product Creation in the Real World 2025 - Workshop Feb. 5-6, 2025 Montreal |
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Kickstart your career in 2025 by exploring common challenges of digital product creation (DPC) through this interactive workshop. Designed for industry professionals and emerging leaders, the workshop will offer practical insights into key challenges of 3D adoption led by Alvanon’s global team of 3D and DPC experts. Attendees will learn how to build trust in apparel development by leveraging 3D … [More Info]
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2025 OECD Garment & Footwear Forum |
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The OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector will take place on 11 - 12 February 2025 at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris and online. The Forum convenes representatives from government, business, trade unions, civil society, academia, and international organizations to discuss common challenges and risks as well as learnings and solutions to implement due diligence in garment and … [More Info]
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Texprocess Americas, Atlanta, May 6-8, 2025 |
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Texprocess Americas, co-produced by SPESA, and co-located with Techtextil North America, creates an opportunity for retail, brand, manufacturing executives and professionals involved in the sewn products industry to meet with leading international manufacturers and distributors of machinery, equipment, parts, supplies, systems, technology, supply chain solutions and other products and services used for the development of sewn products.… [More Info]
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New Members
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ITL Inc.
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ITL (International Trimmings & Labels) is a leading manufacturer of apparel labelling; Woven Labels, Printed Labels, Hangtags, Heat Transfers, Embellishments & a range of RFID labelling, produced in their wholly owned factories in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Mauritius, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vietnam. ITL has invested in research and development to offer an extensive range of sustainable products, working … [More Info]
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Custom Leather Canada Limited
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Custom Leather Canada Limited has been producing consumer leather products since 1949. Based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, our 70 000sq’ state-of-the-art facility manufactures and imports Men’s and Women’s belts with global distribution. [More Info]
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TESTEX was established in 1846 as the ‘Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute’ in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, the company employs more than 400 staff at around 40 locations worldwide. As an international and independent Swiss testing and certification institute, we focus on testing and certifying textiles and leather products.The TESTEX Group is a founding and member institute of the OEKO-TEX® Association. [More Info]
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Our Partners/Sponsors
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