Scientific motivation
The exclusion is grounded in the fact that raw hides account for just 1.50% of a bovine’s total value at the abattoir, as confirmed by the 2026 UNIDO Guidelines for Assessing the Environmental Footprint of Leather. The academic study commissioned by Cotance and UNIC, conducted by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies at the University of Pisa and drawing on over 94 million data records, found no scientific evidence linking leather to deforestation. This finding has been reinforced by research from Montana State University.
The Commission’s decision prevents regulatory incoherence whereby goods produced with EU leather would have been subject to EUDR compliance requirements while those produced with non-EU leather would not under the previous scope, placing European tanneries at a direct competitive disadvantage and putting at risk tens of thousands of rural jobs across the continent.
A collective achievement
This outcome is the result of two years of sustained, evidence-based engagement by Cotance, its national member associations and a united global leather industry working together under the International Council of Tanners to make the evidence-based case to EU institutions.
“Today the European Union saved a European industry recognised worldwide for its excellency. This is a historic day for every tannery, every worker, and every stakeholder who stood behind this cause”, said Manuel Rios, President of Cotance.
Edoardo De Paola, Secretary General of Cotance, added: “Fair policy making is no easy task, but after much debate clarity eventually arises. As raw hides are a by-product of the livestock industry, leather producers do not have the economic leverage to enforce EUDR requirements on cattle breeders.” In April 2026, De Paola stepped into the role and ILM Editor Megan Thomas sat down with him to learn more about his vision for the future of the leather industry. Read more here.
Looking forward
Cotance notes that the work continues and that traceability and due diligence remain top priorities and emphasises that the EUDR exclusion does not diminish the European leather industry’s commitment to responsible sourcing where this is feasible, in its own value chain. The industry remains committed to demonstrate those credentials through evidence, through standards, and through concrete action. Traceability was a priority for the leather industry long before the EUDR was conceived and it will remain so long after.
The EUDR foresees a review of the Regulation in 2030. Cotance notes this provision and will stand ready to assess any developments surrounding leather’s status under the EUDR. Considering the current economic figures for the European tanning industry, the conclusions drawn in 2026 are likely to be valid also in 2030.
