IFTF Summit Hosts Diverse International Fur Trade

FUR COMMISSION USA PRESS RELEASE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2002
IFTF Summit Hosts Diverse International Fur Trade
FUR TRADE REPRESENTATIVES from 20 countries attended a series of International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) meetings in Copenhagen, Denmark at the end of August. Long-time FCUSA volunteer Harvey Beck served as our delegate on the IFTF Council at its 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), while FCUSA’s executive director Teresa Platt and Larry Lasoff, our legal counsel on international trade issues, attended as guests.
Established in 1949, the IFTF is an independent international organization of national fur trade associations, sometimes known as the “United Nations of the world’s fur industry”.
At this year’s AGM, delegates approved an amendment to the IFTF’s constitution calling on member countries to introduce, where required, a new labeling procedure for all garments or products containing fur, which will clearly identify the species used. The language of the amendment is as follows:
Member Organisations are required to introduce a product labelling procedure in their country. This will require each retailer member of their oganisation to apply a label or hangtag on all garments or products containing fur which are offered for sale, stating as a minimum the correct common name of the fur species in English and /or the local language.
The U.S. trade, which adheres to the Fur Products Labeling Act as administered by the Federal Trade Commission, has met this requirement for over 50 years. The Italian Fur Association has announced its plans to introduce such a program shortly, and other countries have their own assortment of labeling/consumer protection laws.
Delegates to the AGM also confirmed and welcomed Portugal as a new member of the IFTF, bringing the total membership to 33 associations from 27 countries. Bemvindos Portugal!
Following the AGM came an engaging and challenging communications seminar sponsored by the IFTF. Participants tested their skills in working sessions and came up with creative methods of reaching the public.
In wrapping up events, IFTF chairman Andreas Lenhart said: “We have had a very successful three days of meetings. Delegates have come to Copenhagen from all corners of the globe to discuss the many opportunities and challenges for the fur industry today. As ever, we will continue to focus our efforts on working together to support and grow our industry.” Dinner-time toasts included best wishes from country after country and illustrated the truly international nature of our business.
FCUSA thanks IFTF executive director Juliette Bailey and her energetic staff for all their efforts in organizing this gathering. The journey was long for the FCUSA members who traveled half way around the world to be there, but, as always, it was worth the miles!
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