NEWS ITEMS

19th February 2010

European Commission recognises OA™ label

The labelling of textile products, including fur, is being actively discussed in European political circles. The European Commission is working on different initiatives, including one involving “Origin Marking”. In a recent answer to a Parliamentary question a representative of the Commission was quoted as saying:

“…the Commission’s proposal for a mandatory origin marking scheme for imports of certain goods from third countries foresees compulsory origin labelling …for articles of apparel, clothing accessories and other articles of fur skin, artificial fur and articles thereof. The Commission remains supportive of its proposal and looks forward to its adoption.”

Although the Commission is currently assessing the feasibility of introducing labelling for leather and leather articles and the actual scope of such a label, it clearly acknowledged the achievements of the fur industry and the Origin Assured label in this area.

“…The Commission notes that since 2007, the fur industry has in place a voluntary label called Origin Assured (OA™). The mark gives assurance that the fur in a garment or fur product that bears an OA™ mark originates from a country where national or local regulations or standards governing fur production are in force. Only fur from approved species, sourced from approved countries, which is sold through participating auction houses, is entitled to carry the OA™ mark. The initiative was developed by the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) in collaboration with four leading international fur auction houses. The programme is administered by the IFTF and monitored by an international monitoring organisation.”

As a transparent and well-regulated industry and one that supports high animal welfare standards, the fur trade should unite in providing consumers with information about the origins of the products they are buying.

By embracing the OA™ initiative, we will challenge outdated ideas of the fur trade and present ourselves as a forward thinking, responsible industry.