http://www.americanapparel.org/data/News_FTR_USTR.html
[begin quote] Statement of the American Apparel Manufacturers Association Submitted to the Office of the US Trade Representative Stephen Lamar Director of Government Relations October 1998 [...] III. Labeling AAMA members support the harmonization of garment labeling requirements - on such issues as care, fabric content, size, and rule of origin - and believe attention in this area can greatly facilitate international trade in garments. Our members often ship virtually identical garments to more than one country. The need to produce separate labels for different countries creates additional burdens that retard trade expansion. A system of recognizable symbols or accepted abbreviations could drastically simplify language requirements while providing customers the basic information they need to make informed choices. The United States has already developed a universal care labeling system to denote how to care for apparel. We believe this initiative should be adopted by all WTO countries as the first step in a process that will lead to more uniform labeling requirements for apparel. At the same time, we strongly oppose efforts - such as the EU effort on metric-only labeling - that would institute a protectionist agenda in the name of harmonization. We believe harmonization efforts can only be sustained if they reflect a consensual process that provides sufficient phase-in periods to minimize disruption to the market and confusion to the customer. [end quote] -- Terry Simpson Human Factors Consultant [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.connected-systems.com Phone: +44 7850 511794
