UNIDO launches guide to help developing countries' exporters

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on private standards has launched a guide to help exporters in the developing countries like India to deal with a maze of standards on environment and social issues.

The guidebook will help exporters in the developing countries in areas like garments, footwear and furniture sectors.

"Today, more and more companies in developing countries are becoming global producers. The liberalisation of consumer markets provides these companies with opportunities for exporting their products to global markets, where they are increasingly required to comply with 'private standards' – a phenomenon on the rise," it said.

Private standards essentially focus on social, safety and environmental issues and are required by brand producers and retailers when they source their products, it added.

The producer of the developing country has to comply with these standards to get access into international markets. However, if exporting companies fail to comply, they will probably find themselves excluded from certain exporting channels.

"Faced with this scenario, the Guide aims to provide producers in the leather, garments and furniture sectors, who wish to sell to major retailers and brands, with information on the complex landscape of private standards," it said.

The guide helps the exporters to understand the procedures to follow the standards.