In a groundbreaking initiative, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has joined forces with the Fair Wear Foundation to launch a program designed to equip Indian textile exporters with the essential tools to navigate the  requirements of the newly enacted Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) of the European Union. This landmark directive, introduced in May 2024, mandates comprehensive human rights and environmental due diligence across global supply chains, marking a significant shift from trade compliance.

As part of this ambitious partnership, CITI recently hosted its third workshop, "Advancing Sustainable and Responsible Business Practices: HRDD, CSDDD, and Chemical Compliance," in Mumbai. The event not only featured renowned industry experts but also provided tailored guidance on transforming compliance challenges into competitive advantages for Indian exporters.

In her opening remarks, CITI’s Secretary General, Chandrima Chatterjee, emphasized the transformative nature of the CSDDD for the Indian textile sector. “The CSDDD represents a crucial change, highlighting the need for alignment with global sustainability mandates,” she stated. “While India has robust labor and environmental regulations, deeper integration with international frameworks is vital to maintain our competitive edge in the global market.”

Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal, Executive Director of TEXPROCIL, echoed this sentiment, discussing the industry's shift from voluntary sustainability measures to mandatory compliance as essential for global market access. He illustrated how recent global policies, including good governance standards and emerging carbon tax requirements, can position Indian textile exporters as leaders in responsible trade through proactive adaptation.

A highlight of the workshop was the brief presentation of Mousumi Sarangi, Country Manager for India at the Fair Wear Foundation. She stressed the importance of proactive due diligence over mere compliance, offering participants actionable strategies that marry profitability with shared accountability. “This shift encourages Indian companies to lead the charge in improving working conditions,” she noted.

The workshop also featured insights from Annabel Meurs, Associate Director at Fair Wear Foundation - Netherlands, who provided a detailed breakdown of the CSDDD’s requirements. She emphasized the need for industry collaboration to ensure that suppliers' interests are protected amid increasing compliance complexities. This reinforced the workshop's core message: collaborative efforts are key to achieving sustainable growth and improving trade relations.

Additionally, Drashti Patel, Regulatory Manager at Global Product Compliance, discussed the pivotal role of chemical compliance in upholding environmental integrity. Addressing the challenge of greenwashing, she called for transparency and science-based standards, providing a roadmap for establishing authenticity in sustainability efforts.

The workshop concluded with a powerful call to action from

The event’s interactive Q&A session allowed participants to engage deeply with the complexities of international compliance, solidifying its reputation as a solutions-driven forum for India's textile leaders.

CITI’s initiative, organized in partnership with the Fair Wear Foundation and supported by TEXPROCIL and AEPC, sets a new benchmark in advancing responsible business practices within the textile industry, paving the way for a sustainable future.