The European Commission has proposed excluding hides, skins and leather from the scope of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR).
The move, welcomed by Cotance as an “historic day” for the tanning industry, was introduced via a Draft Delegated Act on May 4. It will amend Annex I of the EUDR, which is expected to enter into force by summer following a four-week public consultation period. Deborah Taylor, Sustainable Leather Foundation, wrote on LinkedIn: “This isn’t definite until after the public consultation period ends on June 1, but all the indicators say leather will be removed”.
Cotance said the decision recognises its long-standing position that hides, skins and leather are byproducts of the meat and dairy industries and do not drive cattle farming or deforestation. The organisation argued their inclusion in the EUDR lacked a dedicated impact assessment and that their removal reflects proportionate, evidence-based regulation.
The industry supported its case with research commissioned alongside UNIC and conducted by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies at the University of Pisa. Drawing on extensive datasets and stakeholder interviews, the study found no scientific evidence linking leather production to deforestation. Additional research from Montana State University concluded that leather demand does not influence cattle hide supply, reinforcing the distinction between leather and beef markets.
Cotance warned that keeping leather within the EUDR would not reduce deforestation but could disrupt supply chains, increase compliance costs and shift production to regions with weaker environmental standards.
The decision follows coordinated advocacy from the global leather industry, including stakeholders from the United States, Australia, Africa and New Zealand, under the International Council of Tanners. A joint letter supported by the International Meat Secretariat and the International Union of Hides, Skins and Leather Trade Associations called for the removal of leather products from the regulation.
Cotance President Manuel Rios said the move safeguards more than 30,000 jobs in European tanneries and allows the sector to focus on innovation and sustainability. Secretary General Edoardo De Paola described it as a correction of a “fundamental flaw” in the original proposal, reaffirming that leather production does not drive deforestation.
Despite the regulatory change, Cotance confirmed its commitment to traceability and responsible sourcing remains unchanged. The organisation will continue work on securing recognition of the EN 18199 Leather Traceability Cluster standard and investing in supply chain transparency initiatives.
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