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Recommendation No.46: Enhancing traceability and transparency of sustainable value chains in the garment and footwear sector (ECE/TRADE/463)

Recommendation No.46: Enhancing traceability and transparency of sustainable value chains in the garment and footwear sector (ECE/TRADE/463)

Published:
UN/CEFACT Recommendation 46

Improving traceability and transparency has become a priority for the garment and footwear industry. Consumers, governments, and civil society are demanding responsible business conduct and are calling upon the industry to identify and address actual and potential negative impacts in the areas of human rights, the environment, and human health.

By creating enhanced visibility in value chains, companies are better equipped to manage such impacts, and address financial, operational, and reputational risks. Also, traceability in value chains allows companies to respond more effectively to unforeseen disruptions, conform with applicable laws and regulations, ensure product quality and safety, combat counterfeits, and protect cultural and industrial heritage.

This policy recommendation  (ECE/TRADE/463) responds to the increasing demand for policy and legislative action for responsible business conduct in global value chains. It seeks to support measurable sustainability efforts and targets in order to identify, prevent and mitigate adverse impacts on people and the planet resulting from corporations through their operations and third-party business relations. Thus, this recommendation aims at reducing the imbalances between upstream and downstream actors, as well as enhancing the human dignity, quality of life and the empowerment of garment and footwear workers.

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