About AFQA

Formed in 2023, the Apparel and Footwear Quality Association (AFQA) is a collaborative forum of apparel and footwear companies with a mission “to advance the management of test methods to improve efficiency and reliability in the measurement of apparel and footwear quality, and to enhance transparency for consumers consistent with evolving regulatory frameworks for product performance.”

AFQA’s purpose is to advance the global management of physical testing parameters for apparel, footwear, and related products, communicate information about physical testing to the supply chain, discuss concerns, and exchange ideas for harmonizing and improving the measurement of product quality, durability, and recyclability.

AFQA’s Vision: A world of harmonized physical test methods for measuring the quality of apparel, footwear, and related products.

Committees

Data Committee

AFIRM’s Data Committee aggregates and analyzes chemical testing data to support multiple AFIRM objectives and assess the organization’s progress in phasing out or limiting restricted substances to established limits.

Lab Technical Advisory Committee (LabTAC):

AFIRM’s Laboratory Technical Advisory Committee is comprised of members of the global laboratory networks and advises the organization on test methods and related issues as part of the annual RSL update process. More information is available here.

Packaging RSL Committee:

AFIRM’s Packaging RSL Committee is responsible for maintaining the group’s industry leading Packaging Restricted Substances List on an annual basis.

Public Policy and Compliance Committee:

AFIRM’s Public Policy and Compliance Committee monitors product chemical regulatory proposals and engages policymakers with recommendations to ensure regulatory frameworks are pragmatic and advance chemicals management in the apparel and footwear industry. The Committee also develops guidance to assist members in their compliance programs and submits regulatory filings on behalf of members.

RSL Committee:

AFIRM’s RSL Committee is responsible for maintaining the group’s industry leading Restricted Substances List on an annual basis. The Committee divides its work across ad hoc Task Forces as necessary to meet the organization’s objectives.

Steering Committee:

AFIRM’s Steering Committee is responsible for oversight of the organization, including governance, strategic direction, and partnerships. Steering Committee members serve two-year terms of service on a volunteer basis subject to approval by the membership.

Testing Committee:

AFIRM’s Testing Committee works collaboratively with Lab Technical Advisory Committee members to harmonize and improve sampling and chemical testing procedures globally for apparel, footwear, and related products.

Training Committee:

AFIRM’s Training Committee produces and maintains publicly available educational tools and guidance on restricted substances for brands, retailers and the global supply chain. Examples include AFIRM’s Chemistry Toolkit and Chemical Information Sheets. AFIRM also holds Supplier Training Seminars in global production regions every couple of years, which are planned by an ad hoc Supplier Seminar Planning Committee.