Contribution of policy and regulations to enhance Transparency and Traceability in the Garment Industry

The Indian garment industry comprises of complex global supply chain that frequently masks the origins and processes involved in production. Improving transparency and traceability is becoming crucial for promoting sustainable and ethical practices. The paper examines the importance of policy and regulations in accomplishing these objectives. The study highlights the necessity of increasing transparency and traceability in the apparel industry, along with the impact of policies on customer behavior, by reviewing existing literature, case studies, and policy analysis. However, significant gaps remain in achieving transparency and traceability within the industry. Many a time, a gap exists between awareness of the policies and their actual implementation by industry stakeholders. Therefore, the research aims to provide an understanding of the efficiency of current policies and their impact on consumers by examining current policies in India, international agreements, and the industry's best practices. Furthermore, the report analyzes the complications of adopting the regulations and offers insights into how one can overcome the barriers to achieve more transparency in the supply chain. A descriptive research methodology was implemented. Secondary data and primary data were collected using a survey approach. An online survey was conducted using a stratified sampling technique, with a Google form questionnaire distributed through email. The research is also assessing the impact of current policies & regulations on consumer behavior. Through this examination, the research will highlight the importance of robust policy and regulatory frameworks in promoting a fashion industry that is both sustainable and ethical, as these measures not only safeguard the rights of workers and the environment but also build customer trust and preserve the industry's long-term viability by ensuring that all the stakeholders involved in the supply chain are accountable and transparent.