Brussels, 14 September 2026 - Today, the exclusion of hides, skins and leather from the scope of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR) became official.
This is a historic day for the European tanning industry and for the global leather community that stood united behind the case for evidence-based regulation.
A decision grounded in science
The exclusion of hides, skins and leather reflects a fundamental structural reality: 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 - a finding reinforced by research from Montana State University.
The Commission's decision also avoids a regulatory incoherence that would have penalized European producers: under the previous scope, goods produced with EU leather would have been subject to EUDR compliance requirements while those produced with non-EU leather would not, 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 - from the United States to Australia, the African Union and New Zealand - 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 recognized worldwide for its excellency. This is a historic day for every tannery, every worker, and every stakeholder who stood behind this cause." - Manuel Rios, President of COTANCE.
"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." - Edoardo De Paola, Secretary General of COTANCE.
The work continues: traceability and due diligence remain within the industry's top priorities
COTANCE wishes to be unequivocal on one point: 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.
Looking ahead: the 2030 review
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.