Europe and the United States have joined forces, with the objective of tearing down customs and excise barriers

A joint petition was signed in New York, on the 8th June, asking US and EU institutions to call a halt to the freeze on negotiations and approve the treaties of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement. Three international footwear associations were sat around this fruitful table: the European CEC confederation (chaired by Cleto Sagripanti), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and the FDRA, the US retailers’ association.

“We represent the markets that buy 40% of the world’s footwear production. It is clear how crucial it is to harmonise the commercial laws between us and eliminate customs duties”

declared AAFA President, Rick Helfenbein. The agreement also foresees a single law on labelling and country of origin (the so-called ‘Made in’), as well as tighter regulations on products, quality testing and banned substances.