The UKAS review confirms that the SLF Certification Scheme can be recognised as a conformity assessment scheme against which a Certification Body can seek accreditation. The evaluation considered the scheme against the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065 and the ISO/IEC 17067 guidelines, together with the relevant European co-operation for accreditation procedure for evaluating conformity assessment schemes. Following the submission and acceptance of further evidence during the evaluation process, the recognised scheme version is 1.5.
This recognition represents a significant step in SLF’s continuing accreditation journey. It provides an independently reviewed framework through which eligible Certification Bodies can seek accreditation to deliver certification against the SLF Scheme, helping to strengthen confidence in the consistency, impartiality and integrity of the certification process.
Deborah Taylor, Managing Director, Sustainable Leather Foundation, said: “This is an important milestone for SLF and is the culmination of six years careful development, practical implementation and continuous improvement. From the beginning, our aim has been to create a credible, accessible and genuinely useful ESG certification framework for the whole leather value chain. UKAS recognition provides important external assurance that the Scheme has the structure and controls required to support accredited certification. Our focus now is on supporting SLF Auditing Services through the ISO 17065 accreditation process.”
SLF Certification Scheme
The SLF Certification Scheme assesses environmental, social and governance performance through three modular standards. Organisations may seek certification against one, two or all three ESG modules, with the certified scope clearly identified by module and section.
The Scheme’s Accessible, Inclusive and Modular (AIM) approach is designed to recognise good practice while supporting measurable improvement in areas where further progress is needed.
The Scheme applies across much of the leather value chain, including leather manufacturers, product manufacturers, traders of raw and part-processed hides and skins, and finished leather, and chemical companies.
Accredited certification is increasingly important in a market where sustainability claims must be supported by robust evidence and trustworthy assurance. For brands, manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders, external scrutiny of the certification framework helps distinguish credible, structured assessment from unsupported or self-declared claims.
SLF has said it will now continue the next phase of its work towards accredited certification, while supporting the leather value chain with practical tools, transparent reporting and an integrated approach to ESG performance.
