Fire safety equipment distributors have accused Alliance of providing “dual instructions” on certification holding it responsible for a dilemma in apparel industry’s safety efforts.
They said although the Western inspection group recommended internationally certified tools to be installed in the factories, it also verbally asked to use UL-certified products.
The distributors were talking to Dhaka Tribune on the sidelines of Dhaka Apparel Summit 2014 yesterday.
“Although the Alliance recommended internationally certified products in written form, they verbally asked to use UL certified products,” said a high official of a distributor company requesting anonymity. UL is a US-based safety consulting and certification company with presence in 46 countries.
The official accused Alliance of promoting UL-certified products receiving financial support from the company.
The group, however, denied the allegation of promoting single company certification.
“We never mentioned any name of certification company, rather recommended to buy internationally certified products. We don’t have any preference (among international certification companies),” said Mushiur Rahman, senior manager of Alliance.
He added: “A large number of factories have showed their interest in installing fire safety equipment, which is a positive sign for the country’s garment industry.”
RMG owners, now aware, said such confusion would delay installation of fire safety tools in their factories.
They said after two deadly RMG factory disasters – Tazreen and Rana Plaza, a sense of awareness about workers’ safety has been created among them.
“The tragedies in recent time have moved us. We are now much aware and have come to the summit to learn more about fire safety measures,” said Syed Ehsanul Hoque, executive director of HAMS Garments Ltd.
He said they have also national and international pressures to ensure safety in the factories, but the confusion about certification instructions are slowing the process.
He also alleged that the distributors were not able to show any international certification on demand.
“Though many distributors say they have international certification, they cannot show any document. We have no chance to verify quality of products as we need to pay before receiving products,” Syed Ehsanul Hoque said.
Many owners also alleged that manufacturers and distributors were demanding higher prices for fire safety tools.
In response to the allegation, the distributors said they need to pay 15% duty to import the equipment.
“We need to pay 15% duty to import fire safety equipment. Besides, if you want better quality goods, you will have to pay more,” said Parvez Kawser, sales and marketing manager of ICEL Private Ltd, a safety system supplier.
