The delegated act is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in mid-September, when the amended scope will officially take effect. Read more about the May proposal here.
European leather industry association Cotance has welcomed the decision, saying the exclusion reflects leather’s status as a byproduct of livestock production. Citing UNIDO data, the organisation said raw hides account for just 1.5% of a bovine’s total value at the abattoir. It also argued the move avoids an inconsistent approach that would have included products made with EU leather while excluding those made with non-EU leather, potentially putting hundreds of thousands of rural jobs at risk.
Manuel Rios, President of Cotance, described the confirmed exclusion was “a satisfaction for the whole sector” and follows the Commission’s proposal announced in May, adding that the industry must now continue demonstrating leather’s sustainability credentials.
Edoardo De Paola, Secretary General of Cotance, has described the decision as “a step in the right direction”, saying it recognises leather as a durable material and a byproduct of the meat and dairy industries. He added that the European leather industry remains committed to existing traceability schemes, including those developed by the Leather Traceability Cluster Alliance. Read an exclusive interview with De Paola here.
