Get ready to face upcoming restrictions in EU market

Local industries have been suggested to get prepared for complying with the upcoming restrictions to explore superior export opportunities than its competitors in the European market.
The European Commission has proposed the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU-CS3D), a European Union legislative initiative, to promote corporate responsibility and sustainability in global supply chains.
Speakers at a workshop also called for developing self-assessment tools on the EU-CS3D and supporting factories' corrective plans for resource management, and environmental and social sustainability.
These are expected to help factories reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in energy, ensure efficiency in water use, chemical and waste management, and mitigate air pollution through self-assessment.
Solidaridad in association with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organised the workshop titled "European Union-Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU-CSDDD) and Its Impact on Bangladesh Apparel Industry '' at a city hotel on Thursday.
The EU, comprising 27 member nations, plays a crucial role, contributing to more than 50 per cent of Bangladesh's garment exports amounting to almost $47 billion in fiscal year 2022-23.
Envisioned as a comprehensive framework, the proposed EU-CS3D is designed to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks associated with business operations, particularly in industries such as apparel.
It places a strong emphasis on the responsibility of companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts on human rights, the environment, and other areas throughout their supply chains.
Being one of the leading contributors to the global textile and garments market, Bangladesh plays a crucial role in the supply chains of numerous international brands and retailers.
In his inaugural speech, Mr Selim Reza Hasan, Country Manager-Bangladesh of Solidaridad Network Asia, highlighted the industry's commitment to economic sustainability through innovation, digitisation, product diversification, and efficiency enhancement.
He also said that due diligence is an ongoing process requiring collective efforts to comply with.
In a presentation on the EU-CS3D, Madhavan Nampoothiri of Advanced Consulting (NL) and NordESG (DE) said that the directive places an obligation on large companies to conduct due diligence throughout their supply chains, ensuring that environmental and social impacts are identified and addressed.
"It seeks to hold businesses accountable for human rights violations, environmental degradation, and unethical practices associated with their operations."
The directive reflects the EU's commitment to fostering sustainable business practices and contributing to global efforts in achieving a more responsible and ethical corporate landscape, said Mr Nampoothiri.
Mr Tatheer Zaidi, Asia Head of Pollution Management in MSMEs at the Solidaridad Network Asia, said: "It has put forward a legislative framework to oblige companies including those in financial services to demonstrate what action they are taking to protect the environment and human rights."
Sustainability goes beyond just climate, and the role that businesses can play in protecting both the environment and supporting broader issues such as human rights needs the attention of policy-makers, investors, consumers, and other stakeholders, said Sheikh HM Mustafiz, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Sustainability, BGMEA, and Managing Director, Cute Dress Industry Ltd.
The directive seeks to enhance transparency and accountability within the supply chains, said Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Director at BGMEA.
She also emphasised on fostering improved working conditions, environmental practices, and overall sustainability.
Wasim Zakariah, Co-Chairman of the Standing Committee on Sustainability, BGMEA, expressed the hope for collaboration among governments, apparel manufacturers, and consumers to implement the upcoming restrictions.
The workshop was moderated by Dr Mohidus Samad Khan, Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, BUET; and Chief Sustainability Officer at Beximco.

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