Section one of the code also outlines its scope and says something about the context and our own expectations. For us, it's only one tool from a toolbox, whose value is dependent on the quality of the other tools in that box.

We use the CCC model code of conduct as a tool to raise awareness, pressure companies and to provide guidance for laws that can be adopted at the national level.

Governments have a major role in ensuring good labour standards in their countries. But in some producing countries labour legislation is inherently weak. In many countries with good labour legislation, enforcement is lax. This is due to the fact that governments compete intensely among each other to attract investment in the garment sector at whatever cost.

Garment workers' unions are in a difficult position because they often lack bargaining power to improve labour conditions due to threatened relocation or informalisation (moving into informal labour) of the production. In many countries unions and their members suffer from discrimination or even outright repression.

Together with other consumer and labour organisations, the CCC urges western clothing retailers to commit themselves to ensuring decent labour conditions in their subcontractors' factories by adopting and enforcing a code (preferably using the CCC model code as a blueprint and incorporating its standards) and including it as a condition in their purchasing agreements.

The provisions in codes of conduct should never be used to undermine national legislation (where it provides better protection), or as a pretext to avoid vigorous campaigning to strengthen national labour legislation or its enforcement. Codes of conduct can be no substitute for adequately enforced protection under national law.