Organizations

AAFA releases industry glossary of traceability terms

Jun 16, 2026 United States

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has published a glossary of traceability terms, with the aim of promoting clarity, consistency and a shared understanding across the global supply chain

Created by the AAFA Traceability Working Group and the Solutions Providers Advisory Group, comprising representatives from across the supply chain, the Global Apparel, Footwear and Accessories Glossary of Traceability Terms is intended to provide a common reference point for the terminology used in the apparel, footwear and accessories industry.

It does this by defining key traceability-related terms and addressing terminology that may appear in existing or emerging regulations.

“This is an exciting time for our industry as regulations begin to take shape, driving greater transparency and stronger outcomes for people and the planet”, said Nate Herman, Executive Vice President of AAFA. “As these conversations evolve, we saw a clear need to align on language so everyone can engage with a shared understanding to help drive progress and avoid roadblocks”.

Future updates to this publicly available glossary will incorporate new or updated traceability-related terms, as well as terminology that may appear in new regulations.

This release also builds on the work of AAFA in establishing the THREADS Sustainability and Social Responsibility Protocol, which identifies core principles that enable policymakers to develop practical and effective regulatory proposals.

Image Credits: aafaglobal.org

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