The textile and apparel sector is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, contributing a remarkable 84% of the country’s total exports and supporting more than 4 million jobs. More than 13 percent of our GDP comes from the textile industry. ^[1]

Bangladesh, the second-largest supplier of ready-made garments (RMG) worldwide, has solidified its standing as a major hub for manufacturing. But the industry is currently at a turning point. Worldwide customers and authorities are putting more and more pressure on businesses to follow ethical labor standards, sustainable business approaches, and solid product quality. ISO certification for the textile industry is one of the best strategies to achieve these objectives.

ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications are now essential due to the European Union’s recent push for stricter due diligence regulations and the emphasis placed by big fashion brands like H&M and Zara on eco-friendly suppliers.

Global trends in this sector are changing quickly due to rising consumer demand for products made ecologically. Remaining competitive and relevant now requires adopting sustainable textile methods and obtaining the necessary certifications.

This blog post discusses the important role of ISO certification for Bangladesh’s textile and garments sector as well as how companies may get this essential certification with the help of HMS Limited.

ISO Certification for the Textile and Garments Industry

ISO certification is a globally established standard that assures companies adhere to globally recognized best practices. These standards provide a foundation for many different types of business operational issues, such as environmental responsibility and quality management, etc.

ISO certification for the textile industry is essential for proving a commitment to quality in the apparel and textile sectors. It shows how dedicated a company is to best practices and continuous improvement.

Some ISO standards are especially relevant to the textile and garments industry in Bangladesh:

1. ISO 9001

To guarantee identical product quality and customer satisfaction, this standard focuses on quality management systems. This standard is essential for textile producers because it provides a systematic approach to process improvement and quality monitoring. It assists businesses in reducing errors, boosting efficiency, and improving customer satisfaction.

2. ISO 14001

Textile companies can reduce their environmental impact and adhere to environmental guidelines by using ISO 14001. This standard addresses environmental management systems.

In the modern world, where there is a growing demand to decrease pollution and conserve resources, environmental compliance in textile production is mandatory. A framework for controlling environmental factors, cutting waste, and enhancing resource efficiency is offered by ISO 14001.

3. ISO 45001

This standard covers occupational health and safety management systems to promote a safe and healthy working environment in your clothing factories and other textile manufacturing facilities.

This standard focuses on preventing diseases and injuries at work, safeguarding the health of workers, and creating a culture of safety. Clothing companies must prioritize health and safety, and ISO 45001 gives an organized framework to handle these crucial issues.

4. ISO 26000

The corporate social responsibility guidelines provided by ISO 26000 encourage businesses to implement sustainable and moral business practices. Several social responsibility topics are covered by this standard, such as community involvement, protecting the environment, labor policies, and human rights. It promotes socially conscious business practices and sustainable growth among textile companies.

5. ISO 50001

ISO 50001 helps your textile company lower energy expenses and increase energy efficiency by focusing on energy management systems. Energy efficiency matters in a world with limited resources for both economic and environmental reasons. Your company can find solutions to cut operational expenses, optimize energy performance, and minimize energy consumption with the guidance of ISO 50001.

Together, these standards cover two key areas where Bangladeshi RMG manufacturers are closely observed: health and safety in clothing factories and environmental compliance in textile production.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) report 2023, ISO 14001 certification can save water consumption in dyeing operations by up to 25%, while ISO 45001 compliance may reduce workplace accidents by 40%.

Benefits of ISO Certification for Textile and Apparel Industry

Businesses in Bangladesh can grow, compete, and survive in the global market with the support of the multiple benefits that the textile industry’s ISO certification offers. Your business may enjoy these benefits by getting ISO certified:

• Enhanced product quality and customer satisfaction: Consistent product quality is ensured by ISO certification, which improves customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Textile companies may reduce errors, enhance product performance, and reliably go above customer expectations by putting effective quality management systems in operations.
• Improved operational efficiency and cost reduction: Operational expenses can be reduced by up to 20% in ISO-certified facilities by optimizing procedures and reducing waste. In this case, the ISO 50001 standard works very well.
• Access to Global Market: Exporters are not allowed to compromise on complying to US and EU market criteria. Particularly under the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which grants duty-free access to conforming Bangladeshi businesses, ISO certifications serve as passports to these profitable markets.
• Strengthened Brand Reputation: Customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are more likely to trust a company that has ISO approval. It improves a company’s brand image and attracts new customers by showing a commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Textile companies in Bangladesh are finding more and more opportunities to export, with non-traditional markets like Australia and Japan providing growth prospects. Compliance with laws such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) is ensured by satisfying US and EU market requirements.

The ISO Certification Process for Textile Industry in Bangladesh

Steps to achieving ISO certification in Bangladesh comprise a structured approach that ensures every detailed application of required standards. Key steps are:

1. Gap Analysis: Determine what needs to be improved to comply with the standard requirements.
2. Documentation: Draft the relevant guidelines and procedures.
3. Implementation: Integrate systems in practice and train employees.
4. Internal Audit: Before external audits, make sure compliance is met.
5. Certification Audit: An ISO-accredited body performs the final audit. ISO certificates are granted to successful companies and are valid for three years.
6. Continuous Improvement: ISO certification requires constant dedication to the maintenance and continuous improvement of the systems put into practice.

We have a detailed blog about the ISO certification process in Bangladesh. You may check out this one to learn more.

You may be curious about the timeline for the ISO certification process. Depending on the size and complexity of the company, the ISO certification process normally takes four to six months. And the cost also varies.

Challenges During ISO Certification

Textile businesses frequently face some challenges while applying for certification: In a nutshell, common barriers to ISO adoption are:

• Lack of understanding of ISO standards and implementation methods.
• Resources are limited, especially for smaller businesses.
• Employees’ objections to changes in the organization.
• Complications with keeping records and documentation.
• Required for specific expertise and guidance.

Expert consultants such as HMS Limited help in removing these barriers to ISO adoption, especially for SMEs dealing with particular difficulties in the textile industry.

Why Choose HMS Limited for ISO Certification for Textile and and Garments Industry?

HMS Limited is Bangladesh’s reliable partner for the textile industry ISO certification. We provide unparalleled experience catered to the particular difficulties faced by the RMG sector.

With many successful certifications and years of experience, we simplify ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 compliance, assisting manufacturers in successfully meeting US and EU standards. Our experts create affordable roadmaps that reduce production interruptions and certification durations by 30%.

Long-term success and affordability are our primary goals. After certification, we are committed to providing you with guidance and support to maintain compliance with ISO requirements.

As the top ISO certification provider in Bangladesh, HMS always helps companies attract customers from around the world and diversify their operations. Get in touch with us right now for a free consultation and turn your textile business into a competitive, sustainable leader. Call at +88 01731-727172 or visit here.

FAQs

1. How long does ISO certification take in Bangladesh?

The size and complexity of the business determine how long it will take to obtain ISO certification. The process typically takes three to six months.

2. Which ISO standard is the best for garments or textiles?

The most relevant ISO standards for the garments or textile industry include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 26000, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, etc.

3. How to verify an ISO consultant in Dhaka?

To verify an ISO consultant in Dhaka, check accreditation status, look for experience, review clients’ testimonials, visit their office, or ask for someone experienced.