Rehash Accessories & Sourcing Ltd. started its journey back in 2010, with the vision to pursue excellence in manufacturing apparel accessories. Its product range includes zippers, buttons, labels, tags, packaging, and other essential RMG components. With a strong supply network and strict quality control, Rehash ensures compliance with international standards such as OEKO-TEX, GRS, and BSCI.
The company also provides end-to-end sourcing solutions—from product development to logistics—tailored to the needs of global fashion brands and retailers. Rehash is committed to sustainability, efficiency, and delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions across the apparel supply chain.
Recently Textile Focus conversed with Sharif Mohammad, Director, Rehash Accessories & Sourcing Ltd. about obstacles hindering growth in Bangladesh’s garment accessories industry. Read the full conversations-
Textile Focus: Could you please share us the current scenario of backwards linkage sector?
Sharif Mohammad: The current scenario of the backwards linkage sector in the garments accessories industry reveals a continued reliance on imported raw materials. While we are not facing major challenges from our international suppliers, significant issues are being encountered at the local customs offices. These include unnecessary bureaucratic hassles, delays in clearance, and extended lead times—all of which can severely disrupt our supply chain and increase the risk of missing buyer deadlines.
Moreover, a key concern is the lack of adequately trained or knowledgeable personnel at customs who understand the technical aspects of garment accessories. Many products have multiple names or classifications, and without proper understanding, unnecessary confusion and delays occur. To ensure smoother operations and protect buyer commitments, it is crucial to have qualified professionals who can accurately identify and process these products.
Textile Focus: Due to the current scenario including US Tarrif, what are the challenges are you facing?
Sharif Mohammad: Bangladesh has recently gained a stronger foothold in the U.S. apparel market following the reduction of the countervailing duty on its exports from 35% to 20%. With tariff rates now almost aligned—if not slightly more favorable in some cases—compared to competing countries like India, and China, Bangladesh is positioned to leverage this opportunity for greater market access. However, the key concern lies in how buyers will manage the additional 20% cost they still incur during importation. A major uncertainty is whether this cost will be passed on to U.S. consumers or adjusted by pressuring Bangladeshi suppliers to lower their CM (Cutting and Making) charges. Reports suggest that several buyers have already requested factories to reduce CM rates, while others have begun minimizing the use of accessories to cut costs.
This shift in buyer behavior poses a potential threat to Bangladesh’s thriving accessories and backward linkage industries. If CM charges are further slashed, factories may look to diversify their client base by targe ng European buyers to sustain their profit margins. Such a shift could increase the bargaining power of current buyers and lead to broader implications for the entire garments industry. To navigate this changing landscape, stakeholders must focus on strategic value addition, cost efficiency, and strengthening trade relations beyond traditional markets to safeguard Bangladesh’s position in global apparel exports.
Textile Focus: For sustaining accessories sector, what kind of Support need from Buyers and Government?
Sharif Mohammad: Sustaining Bangladesh’s Accessories Industry: A Shared Responsibility
To sustain and strengthen Bangladesh’s accessories industry amidst evolving global trade dynamics, buyers, RMG factories, and the government must take a collaborative and proactive approach.
Role of Buyers and RMG Factories
Buyers must commit to fair pricing models and avoid aggressive cost-cutting strategies that pressure garment factories to lower CM (Cutting and Making) charges—an ac on that inevitably impacts the accessories sector. To ensure consistent demand for locally sourced accessories, buyers should favor full package orders over FOB-only arrangements. This not only secures stable business for accessories manufacturers but also allows RMG factories to reduce lead times and optimize overall cost efficiency.
Additionally, RMG factories themselves should actively advocate for full-package solutions, highlighting the benefits of local sourcing to their international clients. By prioritizing accessories made in compliance-certified factories, buyers can also promote ethical sourcing practices. Too often, bulk orders are sourced from non-compliant factories, despite samples originating from certified suppliers—a practice that undermines sustainability and accountability.
Role of the Government
The government, in partnership with industry bodies like BGAPMEA, must introduce more supportive policy frameworks to strengthen the accessories sector. This includes offering cash incentives for direct exports, and revisiting bond facilities that currently favor imported accessories over locally produced ones. Furthermore, the government should encourage factories to invest in compliance, sustainability, and technological upgrades through VAT exemptions and tax rebates. Such support will not only enhance the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s accessories industry but also ensure its resilience in a highly competitive global market.
