Hides, skins and leather have been formally excluded from the scope of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) with COTANCE describing the decision as a historic victory for the European and global leather industry. The exclusion became official on September 14, 2026.

COTANCE said the decision follows 2 years of evidence based engagement by COTANCE, its national associations and leather industry organisations worldwide.

COTANCE said the decision is supported by scientific evidence showing that raw hides account for only 1.50% of a bovine’s total value at the abattoir. An academic study commissioned by COTANCE and UNIC and conducted by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies at the University of Pisa, using more than 94 million data records, found no scientific evidence linking leather to deforestation.

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The organisation also said the previous EUDR scope could have put European tanneries at a competitive disadvantage as products made with EU leather would have faced compliance requirements while products made with non-EU leather would not.

COTANCE President Manuel Rios called the decision a historic day for tanneries, workers and stakeholders who supported the industry’s case.

“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

However, COTANCE said the exclusion will not reduce the industry’s focus on responsible sourcing and traceability. The organisation said traceability and due diligence will remain priorities for the European leather industry.

“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 EUDR provides for a review of the regulation in 2030 and COTANCE said it will continue to monitor developments concerning leather’s status under the regulation.

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