Global leather industry organizations have renewed their call for a more practical approach to leather-related controls under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The China Leather Industry Association has supported the joint position and emphasized the need to protect traceable, compliant trade without creating unnecessary barriers for legitimate leather suppliers.
The industry position focuses on raw hides and leather products classified under customs chapter HS41. Trade groups argue that hides are primarily by-products of the meat and livestock sectors rather than an independent driver of deforestation. Because of this production relationship, they believe leather should be assessed differently from commodities directly linked to land conversion.
Traceability remains the central challenge
Leather supply chains often involve farms, slaughterhouses, hide traders, tanneries and finished-product manufacturers in several countries. Requiring every participant to provide precise farm-level geographic data can be difficult, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Industry representatives warn that excessive paperwork may increase costs while doing little to improve environmental outcomes.
The associations support responsible sourcing and transparent supply chains, but they are asking regulators to use proportionate requirements. Suggested improvements include simplified documentation for lower-risk suppliers, clearer product boundaries and recognition of existing traceability and certification systems.
Possible impact on the circular economy
Leather manufacturers also point to the circular role of hides. When hides from the food sector are processed into durable materials, they gain value instead of becoming biological waste. If compliance costs make legal processing uneconomic, more hides could be discarded or replaced by fossil-based synthetic materials.
For exporters, the practical message is clear: companies should continue improving supplier records, material traceability and environmental documentation. At the same time, industry bodies will keep communicating with regulators to seek rules that protect forests while preserving fair and workable international trade.
Source: Guangzhou OMTER Leather Co., Ltd
