Japan’s leather industry association (JLIA) has introduced 2 certification programs at APLF 2026 in Hong Kong on March 12, 2026 to help brands and suppliers across the world make responsible sourcing decisions with greater confidence and transparency.
The Japan Leather and Leather Goods Industries Association, widely known as JLIA, introduced the JLIA Sustainable Certification and the Japan Eco Leather Certification as a combined framework covering both company level ESG performance and material level environmental and chemical safety.
The two certifications work as a pair. The JLIA Sustainable Certification, launched in 2025, looks at how a company operates.
It covers corporate governance, labor and human rights, occupational health and safety, environmental management, fair trade and ethics and product responsibility. Independent evaluators conduct document reviews and on-site audits before a 3rd party committee grants certification.
The Japan Eco Leather Certification has been around since 2009 and focuses on the leather material itself. It checks whether the leather meets chemical safety limits, wastewater and waste compliance rules and raw hide traceability requirements. Independent laboratory testing backs every certified material.
Both certifications are open to companies anywhere in the world across the full leather supply chain including tanneries, manufacturers, traders and brands. Each certificate is valid for 3 years and can be renewed.
When Leathernews.org spoke to a JLIA representative, they said:
“These certifications translate sustainability policy into day-to-day sourcing decisions for leather sourcing — company systems and material safety verified independently — so brands can make sourcing decisions with greater clarity and confidence.”
– JLIA Representative
The move signals a broader push by Japan’s leather sector to align with global sustainability expectations as buyers face increasing pressure to prove responsible sourcing.
For more details
Click here to view and download The JLIA Sustainable Certification
Click here to view and download The Japan Eco Leather Certification
