Standards on Leather
European and International standards covering leather, its characteristics, chemical analysis and other tests. EN standards and ISO standards. Shoes & footwear, bags, baggage. GPSD, GPSR, REACH
European and International standards covering leather, its characteristics, chemical analysis and other tests. EN standards and ISO standards. Shoes & footwear, bags, baggage. GPSD, GPSR, REACH
Standards package: Leather – Chemicals and metals in leather
60.60 Standard published
The following products are covered by European (EN standards) and International (ISO) standards:
19100000-7 Leather: 19110000-0 Chamois leather; 19120000-3 Leather of bovine or equine animals; 19130000-6 Leather of sheep, goats or pigs; 19131000-3 Sheep- or lamb-skin leather; 19132000-0 Goat- or kid-skin leather; 19133000-7 Pig leather; 19140000-9 Leather of other animals, composite leather and other leather; 19141000-6 Leather of other animals; 19142000-3 Composite leather; 19143000-0 Imitation leather; 19144000-7 Patent leather; 19160000-5 Watch straps; 19170000-8 Leather articles used in machinery or mechanical appliances.
European standards and ISO standards cover a wide range of topics, including the following:
- Chemicals in leather (leather - chemicals; metal content; Chromic oxide content; Formaldehyde content; Chromium(vi) content; Certain bisphenols; preservatives for leather)
- Chemical determination of the preservative (TCMTB, PCMC, OPP, OIT) content in leather
- Tests: chemical tests; physical and mechanical tests; tests for colour fastness)
- Methods for determination of leather characteristics
- Leather for special applications (leather for automotive applications, upholstery applications, automotive interior applications, etc)
- Raw bovine hides and skin
- Chamois leather
- Labelling (labelling of leather trims; labelling and marking of leather goods, etc)
- Environmental footprint (Carbon footprint; CO2 emissions; Carbon emissions)
- Adhesives for leather and footwear
- Animal welfare in the supply chain
amongst other standards.
Relevant European and International standards may be used for assessing leather and leather products safety, in support of relevant EU legislation.
Leather materials to be incorporated in other products have to comply with EU chemicals legislation before being placed on the EU market, amongst other pieces of legislation. Once included in the final products, it may have to comply with additional legislation.
Leather and leather products are also affected by the Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation (the so-called deforestation-free products).
Leather products, such as bags and baggage, shoes & footwear, etc, are covered by the General Product Safety Directive / General Product Safety Regulation and REACH ( & EU chemicals legislation), amongst other relevant pieces of EU legislation. For instance, shoes must also comply with Directive 94/11/EC relating to the labelling of the materials used in the main components of footwear for sale to the consumer.
Leather incorporated in furniture or in other products have to comply with other specific EU legislation.
See more information under Product groups 'Shoes, boots and footwear' or under Sector 'Textile, Fashion and accessories'.
Click on the list below for details on relevant standards.