Leather Officially Excluded from the European Anti-Deforestation Regulation
This marks a major turning point for the luxury fashion and leather goods industry. The European Commission has taken a decisive step by adopting the delegated act that permanently excludes leather from the scope of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation, which aims to restrict the import of products linked to deforestation, will therefore not apply to bovine hides—whether raw or processed—nor to leather goods, automotive and aerospace seats, or vulcanized rubber.
A relief for “Made in Italy”
This reversal by Brussels confirms the direction set last May, when the possibility of excluding leather was put out for public consultation. For industry stakeholders, particularly in Italy, this decision is seen as a political and economic victory. MEPs Francesco Torselli and Dario Nardella emphasized that this ruling helps protect the unique character of European production ecosystems. According to them, this outcome is the result of a joint effort by industry associations, which were keen to avoid penalizing a strategic segment of the luxury crafts sector in the face of administrative constraints deemed ill-suited to the reality of the industry.
The Outrage of Environmental Organizations
However, this decision has sparked outrage among environmental advocates. Prominent NGOs, such as Global Witness and Human Rights Watch, point to a glaring regulatory inconsistency. The paradox they highlight is this: beef remains subject to the traceability requirements of the EUDR, while the hide from the same animal can be sold without the same environmental restrictions. For these organizations, this “regulatory divide” creates a loophole that risks undermining the overall effectiveness of European legislation in its fight against global deforestation.
Implementation and Timeline
While leather benefits from this exemption, other products face stricter regulations. Starting in December 2027, palm oil derivatives intended for the oleochemical industry, as well as instant coffee, will be fully incorporated into the framework. For large companies in the luxury and industrial sectors, the anti-deforestation regulation will take effect gradually starting at the end of December 2026. The delegated act must now be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, which still have the right to object before it is definitively implemented.