UNIDO publishes guidebook on private standards for exporters in developing countries

VIENNA, 25 October 2010 – The United Nations agency tasked with promoting industrial development has today launched a new guidebook on private standards for exporters in developing countries working in the garments, footwear and furniture sectors to help them access global production and supply chains.

The publication by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), “Making private standards work for you: A guide to private standards in the garments, footwear and furniture sectors”, outlines a strategic approach for suppliers in developing countries.

Private standards, also known as business values, norms, ethics, codes, principles or morals, are considered to be one of the ways of promoting social development and environmental sustainability in global value chains.

Some estimates suggest that more than 1,000 codes of conduct and management systems exist. But most companies in developing countries do not have much tangible information.

The Chairman of the Vietnam Apparel and Textiles Association, Van Dao, said the new guidebook would “provide producers who are trying to enter into business with major buyers and retailers, with invaluable information on what is facing them".

"When trading with global buyers, on top of national, regional or international standards and technical regulations, a business now needs to comply with private standards as well,” said Van Dao.

The guidebook was funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and developed in collaboration with the Dutch Centre for Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI).

The guidebook is available in English, French and Spanish, and can be downloaded here: www.unido.org/privatestandards 

For printed copies in English and further information, please contact:

U. Müge Dolun

U.Dolun@unido.org

UNIDO Project Manager

For more information on UNIDO, please contact:

Mikhail Evstafyev

M.Evstafyev@unido.org

UNIDO Advocacy and Communication Coordinator

Telephone: (+43-1) 26026-5021

Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-7329