A new legal proposal in Argentina is pushing for stricter rules on what can officially be called “leather.” Members of the country’s leather industry met with lawmakers to discuss two bills that aim to protect both businesses and buyers by ensuring only genuine animal leather can use the term.
This week’s meeting was led by Ana Clara Romero, head of the Industry Commission. She said the goal is to have clear rules about how the word “leather” is used. Right now, products made from plastic or synthetic materials are often labeled in ways that confuse buyers. That’s what the bills want to stop.
One of the bills was presented by Congressman Esteban Paulon, who pointed out that this issue matters especially in Santa Fe, where the cities of Esperanza and Las Toscas have some of the biggest tanneries in the country.
“We are behind on this discussion not only compared to the world but also within our region. Countries like Brazil have had similar laws since the 1960s,” said Paulon.
Esteban Paulon, Congressman, Argentina
The proposal aims to align Argentina’s laws with those of other countries in the Mercosur region. It also wants to make sure that only leather made from animals can be labeled as such, ruling out synthetic options like “eco-leather” or “vegan leather.”
Congressman Julio Moreno Ovalle, who represents Salta and presented the second bill, also voiced strong support. He said that leather, as a by-product of cattle farming, is a key part of Argentina’s economy and should be properly represented.
Industry leaders also spoke in favor of the new laws.
“This law would set clear standards and protect the authenticity of leather.”
Daniel Helman from Arlei S.A.
Helman added that synthetic materials are being wrongly advertised as leather. Products labeled as “vegan leather” or “eco-leather” are actually made from plastic or other non-natural materials. He warned that this misleads buyers and harms real leather producers.
“Without leather tanneries, animal hides would be wasted in landfills. Instead, they’re turned into long-lasting, biodegradable materials,” he said.
Eduardo Wydler, head of Argentina’s Leather Industry Chamber (CICA), said the rise of synthetic alternatives has hurt the market. He believes clear laws are needed to help customers understand what they’re buying and to support the traditional leather industry.
“We’ve asked for a law like this many times. Leather is part of our economic history, and the industry is already working to be more eco-friendly,”
Eduardo Wydler, President, CICA
The bills now move forward for further debate. Supporters hope Argentina will soon join other countries with strong laws that protect real leather, the workers behind it, and the people who buy it.
