At APLF 2026 held in Hong Kong on March 12, 2026, the Japan Leather and Leather Goods Industries Association introduced two complementary certification programmes aimed at strengthening responsible leather sourcing through practical and internationally aligned frameworks. The initiatives—JLIA Sustainable Certification and were presented as a structured response to growing global demand for transparency, traceability, and accountability in the leather supply chain, with particular consideration for the operational realities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The framework is built on a dual-layer approach that combines company-level ESG assurance with material-level environmental and chemical safety. This model enables buyers to evaluate suppliers more effectively by addressing both organisational practices and product compliance. Independent verification is central to both certifications, with third-party audits and laboratory testing ensuring credibility, consistency, and alignment with international standards, thereby supporting clearer and more confident sourcing decisions.
The JLIA Sustainable Certification, launched in 2025, focuses on company-level ESG performance and evaluates key areas including corporate governance, labour and human rights, occupational health and safety, environmental management, ethics and fair trade, and product responsibility. Certification is granted following detailed document reviews and on-site audits conducted by independent evaluators, with final approval by a third-party committee. The programme is open to companies across the global leather and leather goods supply chain, including tanneries, manufacturers, traders, brands, and service providers, and is valid for three years with renewal options.
Complementing this, the Japan Eco Leather Certification, established in 2009 and regularly updated, addresses material-level compliance by verifying the environmental performance and chemical safety of genuine leather. Core requirements include compliance with wastewater and waste regulations, traceability of raw hides, and adherence to defined chemical substance limits, all validated through independent laboratory testing. Like the ESG certification, it is globally accessible and governed by a third-party certification committee, with a validity period of three years.
From a procurement perspective, JLIA highlighted practical adoption strategies for brands and sourcing teams. These include specifying Japan Eco Leather-certified materials in purchase orders, prioritising suppliers that hold JLIA Sustainable Certification to streamline ESG screening, and combining both certifications to create high-assurance product ranges that meet evolving market expectations.
A representative from Japan Leather and Leather Goods Industries Association noted during the conference that the certifications are designed to translate sustainability policies into actionable, day-to-day sourcing decisions. By providing independently verified assurance at both the company and material levels, the framework enables brands to navigate complex supply chains with greater clarity, confidence, and alignment with global sustainability benchmarks.
For more information on the certification programmes, stakeholders can visit the official JLIA platforms or contact the organisation directly via email at eco@ilia.or.jp.
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