Legal and trade issues related to eco-labelling and challenges for Bangladesh

Razzaque, Jona

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 developing country products. Of particular interest are transparency issues relating to the design and implementation of voluntary eco-labelling schemes; the criteria used in the design of eco-labels which increasingly reflects the life cycle of products; and the WTO treatment of eco-labelling. 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) recognises the importance of consumer information related to sustainable consumption and explicitly noted the need to continue work in this area.

The financial cost of eco-labelling could be quite high. At the same time, eco-labelling is seen by some as an important element for gaining access to ‘green’ markets. Eco-labels 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-labelling could provide new opportunities for attracting capital investment and joint ventures in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. As a least developed country with a big emerging market, Bangladesh needs to have a better understanding of issues of eco-labelling. Therefore, this paper discusses the challenges and opportunities eco-labelling may create for Bangladesh.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2003
• Journal: Journal of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
• Print ISSN: 1010-9536
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 529-562
• Keywords: legal issues, trade issues, eco-labelling, Bangladesh
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1074453
• Related Public URLs: http://www.biiss.org/biiss_journal/octo2003_issue.html