CEMATEX Boosts EU Advocacy for Textile Machinery Sector

CEMATEX strengthens its EU presence and trade advocacy, shaping a sustainable and competitive future for Europe’s textile machinery industry.

CEMATEX enhances its role as the European textile machinery industry’s voice, engaging with EU institutions, driving sustainability, and championing fair trade access.

CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, has taken significant steps to reinforce its position as the leading representative body for the European textile machinery industry. The organisation has enhanced its presence within EU institutions and deepened its participation in policy discussions that shape the sector’s future.

According to Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX, the committee is now officially registered in the EU Transparency Register, marking a milestone in its institutional engagement.

“With this registration, the association is in a leading position to represent the European textile machinery industry in dialogue with EU legislators and to actively contribute to consultations on upcoming legislative initiatives,” said Zucchi.

As part of its growing involvement, CEMATEX has joined the EU Sustainable Textiles Transition Pathway, supporting Europe’s shift toward a more sustainable textile ecosystem. It has also become a member of the EU Textiles Ecosystem platform, strengthening its connections within the wider European textiles community.

Active Monitoring of Key EU Legislative Developments

CEMATEX is closely tracking the evolving EU regulatory framework, particularly as new policies emerge under the EU Textile Strategy. Among its priorities are the Eco-Design Regulation (Textile Delegated Act), the Waste Framework Directive implementation, Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Category Rules for apparel, and proposed reforms in market surveillance and customs, including the establishment of a central EU market surveillance agency.

Trade Advocacy and International Representation

CEMATEX continues to play a critical role in global trade advocacy, representing European textile machinery manufacturers in international regulatory discussions. Currently, it is focusing on two major issues:

1. The Indian Omnibus Technical Regulation, which mandates certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for weaving and embroidery machines.
2. The EU market surveillance framework, ensuring fair competition and compliance.

To address the Indian regulation, CEMATEX has submitted a position paper to the Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and actively participated in the MHI Subcommittee on Textile Machinery and Machine Tools. The organisation is lobbying for a postponement of implementation while seeking further clarifications on certification requirements.

In Europe, CEMATEX has coordinated with other leading industry associations, including CECIMO, Orgalim, and the Committee of European Construction Equipment (CECE), to urge the European Commission to oppose mandatory certification for CE-marked machinery. The group has requested that the Commission classify this measure as a Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) plenary session in June 2025, calling for its removal.

Simultaneously, CEMATEX continues to lobby for tariff-free access for European textile machinery exports to the Indian market, ensuring equitable trade conditions for its members.

Market Surveillance and Compliance Initiatives

CEMATEX is actively promoting stronger enforcement against non-compliant machinery imports in the EU. The organisation has circulated a position paper to all 27 EU Member State Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) and is implementing a plan to assist MSAs and customs authorities in identifying potential sources of non-compliance.

To further these efforts, CEMATEX is establishing a Machine Safety Committee comprising technical experts from its member companies. This committee will collect evidence of recurring non-compliance, develop inspection brochures for MSAs and customs officers, and raise awareness among trade unions and customer associations about the risks associated with non-conforming machinery.

Championing a Sustainable and Competitive Future

Through these combined actions—policy engagement, trade representation, and compliance advocacy—CEMATEX is reinforcing its leadership within the global textile machinery community.

“By engaging in EU decision-making and defending industry interests in global trade, CEMATEX is committed to ensuring a competitive, sustainable, and innovative future for the European textile machinery industry,” stated Zucchi.