The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has launched a glossary of traceability terms to give the fashion industry a common ground when navigating regulatory landscapes.
The eight-page glossary defined key supply chain terms, while breaking down the corporate stakeholders involved, the materials and related components they use, as well as the documents that inform traceability.
This comes at a time when government regulations demand more transparency in an ever expanding and fragmented supply chain, a rigorous often data-heavy undertaking that requires brands not to only disclose their sources, but to prove their claims too.
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While suppliers and manufacturers in the fashion industry may already know many of the terms such as a customs invoice and a shipping manifest by practice, the document also touches on an aspect of traceability that goes beyond paperwork: forensic tracing.
AAFA defined forensic tracing in this context as a scientific method to independently verify traceability claims, which could involve analyzing the molecular and biochemical composition of fibers, materials, and garments.
Forensic tracing could also involve “additive tracers,” which was defined as a substance that is applied at one point in the production process, then later detected again somewhere down the supply chain “to validate origin.”
The document came with a disclaimer, noting that its use is voluntary. Companies were advised to consult their legal counsel before using it. An online and open briefing to further explain the glossary and the next steps is set for July 15.
The glossary, which is publicly available and open-sourced, would be regularly reviewed by a working and an advisory group to update it in accordance with new regulations, AAFA said in a statement.
“This is an exciting time for our industry as regulations begin to take shape, driving greater transparency and stronger outcomes for people and the planet,” said Nate Herman, AAFA executive vice president in a statement.
“As these conversations evolve, we saw a clear need to align on language so everyone can engage with a shared understanding to help drive progress and avoid roadblocks,” he added.
