BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

LEGAL AND TRADE ISSUES RELATED TO ECO-LABELLING : BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVES

Author: Jona Razzaque

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/ BIISSj2003v24n4a4

ABSTRACT

This article raises certain legal and policy issues arising from the use of labelling for environmental purposes (eco-labels) in international trade, and the implications for market access, particularly for products from developing countries. Eco-labelling was identified as a significant area in Agenda 21 (1992) and in Doha Declaration (2001). More recently, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (WSSD, 2002) also recognised the importance of consumer information related to sustainable consumption and explicitly noted the need to continue work in this area. Eco-Iabels may potentially enhance the terms of trade of those developing countries able to accurately translate the mood of industrialised country consumers into environmentally friendly product development. There are also hopes that eco-Iabelling could provide new opportunities for attracting capital investment and joint ventures in developing countries, such as Bangladesh.