Home

CCMI October Press Coverage in Japan

The October 5th CCMI press conference in Osaka, Japan, has resulted in considerable interest in the activities of CCMI on the part of the Japanese textile press

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:

CCMI and NTA enhance protection activities on the quality of luxury textile predicts

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"

Additionally, SENKEN 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:

CCMI

There are currently 16 members in Cashmere Council, most of whom are Italian companies including Loro Piana and Zegna Barrufa. From Japan, Toyoboshi and Fukaki are the members. According to the President of CCMI, Mr. Spilhaus, CCMI issues 20-30 warnings a year, mainly in USA and Europe. The number of cases is the largest in USA, and Italy and Germany follow, while in Japan it is relatively small (several in the last 10 years) according to CCMI Japan Representative Mr. Kuniyasu Shimizu. CCMI opened Japan representative in July 2006, considering the fact that Japanese consumption of luxury fibers (Cashmere Superfine Wool etc) per capita is the highest in the world. CCMI will expand its activities aiming for to promoting fair trading as well as protecting consumer in Japan.

CCMI's Superfine Wool Council, consists of 17 members (almost all Italians), has started activities to prevent abuse of Internationally established "Super X" standard. CCMI has extended its activities by creating Superfine Wool Council, and also intends to extend its activities geographically from USA, Europe and Japan to major cashmere producing country China.

NTA

The president of NTA (National Textile Association), Mr. Karl Spilhaus had a press conference is Osaka on 2 October, and emphasized that U.S. Textile industry was severely damaged (including the loss of tens of thousands employment) after the elimination of import quota. He announced that NTA is demanding China and India a reduction of import duty, fare to the developing countries, and that NTA is also discussion on the protection of Intellectual Property Right Since the elimination of import quota in January 2005, import of textile goods from China to USA has drastically increased, and USA implements Safe Guard on 11 items including Cotton Trousers. In spite of the Safe Guard, the import is increasing, and the loss of employment will accumulate to hundreds thousand from the time before the elimination of quota.

A new Multinational Trade Agreement is desired, but Doha round has failed. NTA is now focused on demanding countries like China and India the reduction of their import duties.

While the import of textile products is increasing from Chine, the is a trend that export of American, European and Japanese luxury goods to China is increasing. Mr. Spilhaus stressed that China (et al) should reduce their import tariff as the developed countries have done in the past. "We and they should stand on the fair ground", Mr. Spiuhaus said. NTA's proposal is supported by 30 countries including Turkey Mexico and some African countries. NTA also advocate the protection of intellectual property right in China, and will demand protection of the American and European strength from "theft".

-30-