At least 147 global brands and retailers have so far joined the International Accord to ensure health and safety in the global garment and textile industry. The signatories include many of the 200 EU-based brands that previously joined Bangladesh’s garment industry’s Accord, a platform set up immediately after the Rana Plaza building collapse in 2013. After the expiry of Accord in Bangladesh, the Readymade garment Sustainability Council (RSC) was formed in June 2020 that took over the charge of Accord’s works in the country. In September 2021, the International Accord came into being, a 26-month-long legally-binding agreement to make garment factories safe. Most of the International Accord signatories were signatories of Accord.

According to the new agreement, the signatories will continue the health and safety program in Bangladesh through the RSC by recognising its independence. Almost 150 brands and retailers covering 1,300 factories have now signed the new International Accord. Among the brands that have joined are H&M, Benetton, Best Seller, C&A, Inditex, Marks & Spencer, Mango, Matalan, Next, Puma, PVH and Primark.

Bangladesh is now receiving more work orders, while more orders are expected in coming months due to various global factors, including issues in Myanmar. Exporters in Bangladesh have invested millions of dollars and made significant improvement in workplace safety in line with the recommendations of Accord and Alliance.