Cedro Textil reinforces warning about counterfeit flame-resistant fabrics

The counterfeiting of fabrics used in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) has raised concerns in Brazil’s textile industry. In addition to causing economic losses, the issue poses a direct risk to the safety of workers who rely on these garments in high-risk activities, such as those regulated by NR-10.

According to Leandro Vieira Coelho, Workwear Marketing Manager at Cedro Textil—one of the companies participating in Texbrasil (the Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program), a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency)—fraud begins at the very origin of the production chain.

“Counterfeiting starts in weaving mills that sell low-quality ‘flame-resistant’ fabrics that do not meet the standards required for manufacturing NR-10 garments, a type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These fabrics do not have a Certificate of Approval (CA), as they have never undergone official testing with these materials,” he explains.

According to the manager, the most common practice occurs when NR-10 garment manufacturers use low-quality fabrics but apply labels with a legitimate CA number, originally obtained using certified materials. In practice, this is a misuse of certification that misleads consumers.

Identifying counterfeit products – Identifying counterfeit fabric is not simple for the average user. According to Coelho, the main verification method lies in the watermark present on the reverse side of the original fabric, which ensures traceability and authenticity. Without this identification—containing the name of the fabric and the mill—there are signs of irregularity.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that, visually, the difference between an original and a counterfeit product may be imperceptible. “The difference can only be seen on the inside of the garment, where the watermark identifying the original fabric appears. This fabric must be the same as described in the Certificate of Approval for Personal Protective Equipment (CAEPI),” Coelho emphasizes.

Risks for workers and companies – The risk to workers’ physical integrity is one of the main concerns regarding fraudulent products. “Counterfeit fabrics do not meet safety standards, putting at risk the physical integrity of workers who depend on this protection,” says Cedro Textil’s Marketing Manager.

Another issue raised by Coelho is the increase in unfair competition, which affects the entire production chain, in addition to constituting a criminal offense. “Changing the fabric invalidates the CA, and the garment ceases to be PPE, leaving the company exposed to labor claims,” he adds.

To address the problem, the industry has been investing in technology and awareness. “Cedro has improved its watermark, making it clearer and more resistant to washing. This allows the garment’s authenticity to be verified throughout its entire lifespan. In addition, Cedro is the only company that guarantees its FR (Flame Resistant) technology remains effective even after repeated washing,” the manager states.

Cedro Textil recommends that engineers and safety technicians carry out frequent inspections of the garments used by workers. The company has also developed educational materials to guide the market on how to identify authentic products.

About Cedro Textil

With more than 150 years in the market, Cedro Textil, based in the state of Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil’s leading textile companies, a market leader in both Brazil and Latin America (where it operates in nearly all countries), and the only publicly traded company in the sector. Its portfolio includes more than 4,000 clients, many of whom have been purchasing from the company for over four decades. Its product portfolio is divided into two lines: Jeanswear and Workwear. Headquartered in Belo Horizonte, the company operates four factories in Minas Gerais, including Sete Lagoas (fabrics).