Indian apparel industry boasts of using ethical manufacturing processes, of standards complying with international quality requirements, and not employing child labor. But still, it cannot positively assert that its supply chain is 100% spick and span. The US Department of Labor (DOL) alleges the Indian industry by listing a number of products that has been manufactured by indentured, forced, and child labor. They are exposed to worst forms of labor such as slavery, hazardous environment etc.

The Executive Order (EO) 13126 on the 'Prohibition of Acquisition of Products by Forced or Indentured Child Labor' was initially signed on June 1999. The latest revision came on October 4th, 2011 with updates, which includes the Indian apparel industry. Apparel industry is more labor intensive. Underpayment of wages is high in apparel industry comparatively over other industries. Sewing and garment workers suffer from highest rate of wage violation up to 71%. Industry analysts fear that the continued mentioning of Indian apparel industry in the list would create issues for apparel exporters in the global market. Prominent buyers from around the globe insist on the fulfillment of compliance standards. This include; not involving child labor, hygienic factory environment, ensuring minimum wages, regulated working hours and many more.

Indian apparel makers need to follow Government guidelines, and compliance standards not only within their sphere of operations, but also insist their vendors, distributors, and other collaborators involved in the supply chain to do the same.

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