CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, has officially joined the EU Transparency Register, aiming to enhance its engagement with European Union (EU) institutions and stakeholders.
According to CEMATEX President Alex Zucchi, “With this registration, the association is in a leading position to represent the European textile machinery industry in dialogue with EU legislators and to actively contribute to consultations on upcoming legislative initiatives.”
In line with its mission, CEMATEX has also become part of the EU Sustainable Textiles Transition Pathway, which supports the movement toward a more sustainable textile sector in Europe. Furthermore, the organization has joined the EU Textiles Ecosystem platform to maintain its connectivity and visibility within the broader textiles community.
As the EU develops its textile strategy, CEMATEX is closely monitoring key legislative initiatives likely to affect the industry. These initiatives encompass the Eco-Design Regulation (Textile Delegated Act), the implementation of the Waste Framework Directive, Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for apparel, and proposed reforms concerning market surveillance and customs, including a central market surveillance agency.
Additionally, CEMATEX is actively engaged in trade advocacy, representing its members’ interests on an international platform. One of the pressing issues the association is addressing is the Indian Omnibus Technical Regulation, which mandates compulsory certification for weaving and embroidery machinery. To oppose this regulation, CEMATEX has submitted a position paper to India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries and is lobbying for a delay in its enforcement.
Within Europe, CEMATEX has collaborated with other industry associations, such as CECIMO, Orgalim, and the Committee of European Construction Equipment (CECE), urging the European Commission (EC) to oppose mandatory certification for CE-marked machinery. At the World Trade Organization plenary meeting in June 2025, the organization called on the EC to consider this requirement a Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT) and to advocate for its removal.
Furthermore, CEMATEX is lobbying for tariff-free access for EU textile machinery exports to India to expand market prospects for European manufacturers.
On the topic of market surveillance, CEMATEX advocates for stricter enforcement against non-compliant imports. It has submitted a position paper to the Market Surveillance Authorities of EU Member States and launched a support plan that includes documentation designed to help these authorities and customs officials in identifying potential non-compliance issues linked to imported textile machinery.
To further bolster its efforts in EU textile machinery advocacy, CEMATEX has established a specialized Machine Safety Committee comprised of experts from member companies. This committee will gather data on recurring compliance issues and create resources, such as brochures, to assist market surveillance authorities and customs inspections.
The organization is also planning awareness campaigns to inform customer associations and trade unions about the risks posed by non-compliant imports.
Through these initiatives, CEMATEX aims to strengthen its leadership role in advocating for the interests of the European textile machinery sector.
“By engaging in EU decision-making and defending industry interests in global trade, CEMATEX is committed to ensuring a competitive, sustainable, and innovative future for the European textile machinery industry,” Zucchi stated.
