Bangladesh apparel makers demand further raising of RMG wastage ratio

Wastage ratio means the permissible amount of wastage in case of goods made from yarn and fabrics. The ratio remained 16 per cent since 1998 until the commerce ministry revised it on December 19 last year. 

Apparel makers say the ratio of wastage of fabrics increased because of a rise in production of complex and fashionable items.

According to the new ratio set by the ministry, permissible wastage for basic knitwear such as T-shirts, polo shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts and pajamas is 27 per cent, while it is 30 per cent for special items such as rompers, tank tops, dresses, gowns, hoodies and lingerie.

For sweaters, jumpers, pullovers, cardigans, vests, socks and gloves, the ratio has been readjusted to 4 per cent.

Just after the ministry's notification on readjusted rates, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) requested the commerce ministry to revisit the decision. BKMEA proposed a wastage ratio to be at 30 per cent, 35 per cent and 12 per cent respectively for knitwear, special items and sweaters and socks.

Though the knitwear exporters demanded the sweater wastage ratio rearranged at 12 per cent, BGMEA in its letter to the ministry sought it at 16 per cent.

BGMEA says the 4 per cent wastage rate for sweaters and socks is ‘completely unacceptable’, a commerce ministry official said there is no scope for reconsidering the rates now as sought by the BGMEA and BKMEA, according to Bangladeshi media reports.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)