Strong Understanding of U.S. Regulatory Framework Will Give Vietnam Textile, Apparel and Footwear Businesses Competitive Edge
Ho Chi Minh – With Vietnam becoming one of the top textile, apparel and footwear exporters to the U.S in 2010, a strong understanding of the relevant U.S. safety and regulatory framework will give Vietnam’s export sector a competitive edge over their competitors in other regions. In addition, keeping abreast with consumer safety policies headed by the relevant U.S. government bodies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) can prevent costly product recalls and damage to the reputation of Vietnamese textile, apparel and footwear suppliers.
Commissioner Nancy Nord, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Mr. Kapil Bansal, Senior Vice President, Global Retail, TÜV SÜD and Mr. Suresh Natarajan Somou, General Director, TÜV SÜD PSB Vietnam were in Ho Chi Minh City for the International Product Safety and Restricted Substances Conferencen held on 10 November 2010. The Conference is a platform for retailers and industry experts to discuss product safety requirements, new testing requirements and the “Restricted Substances Listing” for apparels and footwear. TÜV SÜD, a leading testing, inspection and certification company for the textile, apparel and footwear industries, was one of the conference sponsors.
“It is critical that Vietnamese exporters have a sound understanding of U.S. consumer safety regulations such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) because this understanding will help them succeed in doing business with U.S. companies,” said Nord. “Like most regulatory frameworks, U.S. consumer safety guidelines on apparel and footwear change from time to time based on industry and consumer trends — so it is important that business leaders in Vietnam are up-to-date about the latest regulations. This is where companies such as TÜV SÜD serve as value-added partners to Vietnamese suppliers and offer guidance on U.S. consumer safety regulatory frameworks.”
“Fashion cycles are fast, competition is fierce, and regulations constantly evolve. To succeed, Vietnamese textile, apparel and footwear suppliers have to quicken their speed to market, ensure consistent product quality and competitive prices. By providing a holistic approach to product safety and quality, TÜV SÜD experts can help customers minimize risks and points of friction along the entire softlines value chain. We work hand-in-hand with our customers to help them achieve the highest quality in material safety, durability and wearability, so that they can meet their end customers’ expectations,” said Mr. Kapil Bansal, Senior Vice President – Retail, TÜV SÜD.
“Commissioner Nord’s trip to Ho Chi Minh City is evidence of just how important Asia, especially Vietnam, as a commercial partner, is to the United States. Charged with the responsibility to protect American consumers, the CPSC is one of the most important government bodies that our local suppliers have to be familiar with,” said Mr. Suresh Natarajan Somou, General Director, TÜV SÜD PSB Vietnam. “We can support our clients with comprehensive product testing and inspection services in compliance to U.S. consumer safety regulations. This will go a long way in safeguarding their brands and assure their clients about the quality and safety of their products.”
Seeing the potential of the Vietnam market, TÜV SÜD opened a new lab in Vietnam in May this year so that its customers can conveniently test their products and demonstrate their commitment to producing safe and reliable products that complies with specific government regulations and standards. The comprehensive, multi-million dollar lab offers testing services for all types of apparel fibre and fabrics, home textiles, leather and footwear. TÜV SÜD also provides inspection solutions for raw material checks, production process, transport and trade/sales monitoring services. Customers can depend on TÜV SÜD for customized training courses and programmes on all aspects of quality, health, safety and social compliance related to US consumer safety regulations.
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