The European Commission has proposed removing leather from the list of products covered by the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) [1, 2].

This shift would significantly lower the traceability requirements for the leather supply chain. The move follows pressure from major exporting countries, including Brazil, which have raised concerns over the feasibility of the regulation's strict requirements.

According to reports, the proposal to adjust the scope of the law was introduced on Oct. 2, 2023 [3]. The European Commission also suggested a one-year delay in the implementation of the EUDR [3]. This postponement aims to provide more time for producers and exporters to align their operations with the new standards.

The EUDR is designed to ensure that products sold in the EU market do not contribute to global deforestation. However, the complexity of tracking cattle from birth to slaughter has made leather a point of contention for agricultural exporters [1, 2].

While some reports focus on the specific exclusion of leather, others emphasize the broader timeline shift [1, 3]. The regulation is currently expected to enter into force by the end of 2026 [4].

“The European Commission has proposed removing leather from the list of products covered by the EUDR.”

The potential removal of leather and the delay of the EUDR signal a compromise between the EU's environmental goals and the economic realities of global trade. By easing traceability requirements, the EU reduces the risk of immediate trade disruptions with partners like Brazil, though it may weaken the overall impact of the anti-deforestation mandate.