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CCMI Press Coverage in Japan
BOSTON, October 11, 2006 -- Sen-i Journal, an influential daily textile news paper in Japan, recently covered the activities of CCMI and NTA. For the Japanese text CLICK HERE. Also Nippon Sen-i Shinbun, another influential daily textile news paper in Japan, recently covered the activities of CCMI and NTA. For the Japanese text CLICK HERE. A rough English translation follows:
Cautious approach on the relationship with China
CCMI (Cashmere & Camelhair Manufacturers Institute) which is an international trade association of world major producers of luxury fiber products, is enhancing its activities on the assurance and protection of the quality of luxury products of cashmere and camelhair. It will exert further efforts to educate retailers, producers and consumers on the importance of the correct labeling. CCMI has its principal office in Boston USA, and a representative in Italy, and in Japan, Mr. Kenneth Shimizu takes the assignment of the Representative.
Since 2000, CCMI has purchased several hundred samples and had them tested at third party laboratories. If mislabeling is found, CCMI notifies to the relevant parties, and demands retailers the change of the labels or withdrawal of the products from the shelf. If the laws are not respected, CCMI will pursue criminal or civil responsibilities, and if necessary, will disclose to the media.
Mislabeling infringes Household Gods Quality Labeling Act, Unfair Competition Prevention Act and Unjustifiable Premiums and Mislabeling Prevention Act in Japan.
According to CCMI, there has not been serious cases so far in Japan. A largest number of mislabeling has been found in USA, and then in Italy. In USA and Europe, problems were found more in woven products rather than in knit products. In average, 20 - 30 cases of mislabeling were detected a year worldwide. In Knitwear, the major problems are in Chinese Products, and in woven goods, the major problems are in Italian products.
In response to the question on the relationship between CCMI and China of which economic expansion is remarkable, Mr. Karl Spilhaus, the president of CCMI, commented "We realize the importance of the relationship with China, and we will collect further information to have more profound understanding on the drastically changing Chinese industry", "CCMI is however cautious on the relationship with China where excessive investments are creating massive over capacity, and there is a concern over the potential use of inferior or contaminated material to fill the capacity.".
Mr. Karl Spilhaus, who is also the president of NTA (National Textile Association), explained about 2 major problems which America textile industry is facing - "Opening up Chinese Market" and "Protection of Intellectual Property Right". NTA has been demanding countries with remarkable development such as China and India a reduction of import duty and elimination of trade barriers. There is increasing demand in China and India for luxury fiber products, and USA will request these countries for the fair access to their domestic market from USA, Europe and Japan. Already 30 countries including USA, Bangladeshi, Mexico and African countries are forming a group to work together for the activating safe guard.
In regard with he protection of Intellectual Property Right, NTA will demand the enhancement of the measures to prevent misappropriation of American, European and Japanese Brands and designs, which are the strength of the developed countries.
In regard with the relationship between NTA and Japanese textile industry, Mr. Spilhaus commented "We share the same problem with Japanese industry and, although we have so far had no direct dialogue, we hope to have a chance to discuss the issues with relevant Japanese trade associations"
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NTA, formed in 1854, is the oldest industrial trade association in America. Its 153 members weave and knit fabric in the U.S.; manufacture yarns in the U.S. for the formation of fabrics; and dye, print, and otherwise finish fabrics in the U.S. For more information about NTA, see our website www.nationaltextile.org.
