News

Corporate Update

TEA And WRAP Sign Strategic MoU To Strength Social Compliance And Boost Apparel Exports To US Market

• By  Textile Excellence
• January 12, 2026

The Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA) and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) formalised a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on 12 January 2025, reinforcing Tiruppur’s leadership in socially compliant and sustainable apparel manufacturing. The signing was accompanied by a focused industry session on incentivising exports while navigating evolving compliance and tariff challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Kumar Duraiswamy, Joint Secretary, TEA, underlined that WRAP certification remains mandatory for apparel exporters targeting the US market. American buyers largely recognise WRAP as the preferred standard for individual factory audits, unlike European buyers who accept multiple certifications. He added that any favourable shift in the US tariff regime could significantly enhance India’s competitiveness, positioning WRAP as a critical growth enabler for Tiruppur exporters.

Thirukkumaran, General Secretary, TEA, said the MoU would simplify access to WRAP certification for member companies, strengthening internal standards and improving global competitiveness. K M Subramanian, President, TEA, highlighted Tiruppur’s pivotal role in India’s knitwear sector, citing exports of ₹44,747 crore in the last financial year, representing nearly 68% of national knitwear exports. More than 160 of India’s 350 WRAP certified factories operate from Tiruppur, reflecting the cluster’s strong commitment to social compliance.

WRAP President and CEO Avedis Seferian noted that geopolitical uncertainty and potential US tariff actions continue to challenge exporters. WRAP certified factories offer greater sourcing confidence to American buyers and align well with tightening human rights regulations in Europe. He added that competing sourcing hubs such as Bangladesh and Vietnam lack India’s scale and experience. The MoU was formally signed by Subramanian and Seferian. Key benefits include exclusive training programmes, discounted audit and registration fees, and structured capacity building for TEA members.

Addressing the gathering, Kumar Duraiswamy, Joint Secretary, TEA, underlined that WRAP certification remains mandatory for apparel exporters targeting the US market. American buyers largely recognise WRAP as the preferred standard for individual factory audits, unlike European buyers who accept multiple certifications. He added that any favourable shift in the US tariff regime could significantly enhance India’s competitiveness, positioning WRAP as a critical growth enabler for Tiruppur exporters.