A delegation representing Italy’s leading leather importers and certification bodies recently toured Brazil to assess advancements in sustainability, best practices, and traceability within the Brazilian leather industry. Hosted by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), the visit focused on strengthening commercial ties and ensuring compliance with international environmental standards.
The delegation included representatives from UNIC (Italian Tanners’ Association) and ICEC (Italian Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector).
They were accompanied by Rogério Cunha, responsible for Trade Intelligence at CICB, and Ricardo Andrade, CICB’s Sustainability expert. A key part of the agenda revolved around discussions on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which impacts leather exports to European markets.
Supported by the Brazilian Leather project, a joint initiative between CICB and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), the visit provided the Italian delegation with a comprehensive look at Brazil’s sustainable leather production practices.
The delegation began its journey in São Paulo, where major companies in the Brazilian leather industry showcased their technologies, compliance processes, and raw material control measures.
“It was a very positive and educational experience regarding Brazil’s sustainability initiatives. Tanneries demonstrated their commitment to compliance and how they ensure guarantees and records for international partners”
Ricardo Andrade.
Following the presentations, the group traveled across Brazil to witness firsthand the production processes at farms, slaughterhouses, and tanneries.
Key locations visited included Xinguara (Pará), Jales (São Paulo), and Lins (São Paulo). Among the Brazilian leather manufacturers that welcomed the Italian representatives were Coming, Durli Couros, Fuga Couros, Grupo Viva, JBS Couros, and Minerva Leather.
“This delegation had the opportunity to experience the expertise, technology, and high standards of Brazilian leather production firsthand. Italy is a key trading partner, and this visit has further strengthened our commercial ties”
Rogério Cunha, Trade Intelligence at CICB,
Italy has consistently been one of the top buyers of Brazilian leather. In 2024 alone, Italian importers accounted for 11.4% of Brazil’s leather exports, making them the third-largest buyer.
The export value increased by 5.7% compared to 2023, demonstrating a growing demand for high-quality Brazilian leather. Nearly 45% of the leather exported to Italy consists of finished or semi-finished leather, which holds a higher market value due to its advanced processing.
