EU Proposes Excluding Leather from Deforestation Regulation Following Industry Lobbying
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The European Commission has formally proposed to exempt leather, hides, and skins from the scope of its upcoming Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The move follows an intensive lobbying campaign by the leather industry and is being advanced through a streamlined legal process. Stakeholders can provide feedback on the draft proposal until June 1.
Facts First
- The European Commission formally proposed excluding leather from the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on May 4.
- The proposal follows an intensified lobbying campaign by the leather industry in Brussels throughout most of last year.
- The change is being made via a delegated act, a mechanism to amend non-essential parts of an existing law without a full legislative debate.
- The act would amend Annex I of the EUDR, the list of commodities covered by the regulation.
- Citizens and stakeholders can provide feedback on the draft proposal until June 1.
What Happened
The European Commission formally proposed to exclude leather, hides, and skins from the product scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This proposal follows an intensified lobbying campaign conducted by the leather industry. The Commission is introducing this change through a delegated act, a legal mechanism that allows it to amend non-essential parts of an existing law. The proposed leather exemption is part of a broader 'simplification review' announced by the European Commission to reduce administrative burdens.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a consumer, this change could affect the availability and sourcing information of leather goods in the EU market. For businesses in the leather supply chain, this exemption may significantly reduce the regulatory and administrative burden they would have faced under the full EUDR. The process also demonstrates a formal channel for industry feedback, as citizens and stakeholders can provide input on the draft proposal until June 1.
What's Next
The European Commission stated that citizens and stakeholders can provide feedback on the draft proposal until June 1. Following this feedback period, the Commission may formally adopt the act. The parliament and the Council of the European Union generally have two months to object to the act after adoption; if no objection occurs, the changes will be automatically enacted.