CSR Guidance: Global Apparel, Footwear, & Accessories Industry Glossary of Traceability Terms

The purpose of the Global Apparel, Footwear, & Accessories Glossary of Traceability Terms is to establish a common reference point for terminology used across the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry. As supply chain transparency and traceability become increasingly important for businesses, regulators, and stakeholders, consistent definitions are critical to ensuring clear communication and alignment. This glossary is intended to guide the industry by defining key traceability-related terms and addressing terminology that may appear in existing or emerging regulations, promoting clarity, consistency, and shared understanding across the global supply chain.

The Global Apparel, Footwear, & Accessories Glossary of Traceability Terms was created by the Traceability Working Group and the Solutions Providers Advisory Group, which are comprised of representatives of the entire supply chain – from materials providers to retailers, organizations involved in the industry and/or traceability, and traceability solutions providers to the industry. The Traceability Working Group consulted with dozens of organizations representing the global supply chain, as well as the traceability initiatives in the industry, in developing this glossary. 

The Traceability Working Group and the Solutions Providers Advisory Group will regularly review to incorporate new or update traceability-related terms and incorporate terminology that may appear in new regulations. This is publicly available and open source. We also encourage regulators to utilize these terms as they develop regulations governing the industry.
Download the open-industry glossary [PDF] (Version 1.0, June 2026)