Ginning outlets to be tracked, traced to avoid export curbs

In a move to avoid export restrictions, the commerce ministry has decided to implement a Track and Trace System (TTS) at ginning factories across the country to document the origin of cotton and ensure compliance with United States legislation aimed at preventing forced labour and human rights violations. The decision was reached during a meeting between Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ijaz and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Zubair Tiwana at the commerce ministry. The FBR has already introduced a track and trace system for various products to minimise tax evasion and improve documentation in key sectors. An official announcement said that FBR in collaboration with federal ministries and provincial departments will introduce a TTS at ginning factories to promote transparent cotton trade. This initiative aims to assist the textiles and apparel industry in meeting the traceability standards set by various trading blocs, nations, brands, and retailers, the announcement further said.