Brussels – A coalition of human rights and environmental groups is urging the European Commission to maintain leather within the scope of the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a landmark law aimed at curbing deforestation linked to agricultural commodities. The groups argue that excluding leather would create a significant loophole, undermining the regulation’s effectiveness and potentially incentivizing further environmental damage and human rights abuses. The debate centers on whether to include leather, a byproduct of cattle farming, in the list of products subject to strict traceability and due diligence requirements.
The EUDR, initially proposed in 2021 and set to be enforced in 2027 after multiple postponements, places the responsibility on companies operating within the European Union to ensure that products like wood, palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and cattle haven’t contributed to deforestation after December 31, 2020. Companies must demonstrate where their commodities originate, tracing them back to the specific plot of land where they were produced, or in the case of cattle, the locations where the animals were raised. Beyond deforestation, the regulation also mandates adherence to relevant laws in producing countries, encompassing land use rights, labor standards, human rights, and anti-corruption measures, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Concerns Over Industry Lobbying and Policy Incoherence
On March 30, 2026, Human Rights Watch, alongside a collective of environmental and Indigenous organizations, formally communicated their concerns to the European Commission in a joint letter. The letter expresses apprehension that potential exemptions for leather are being considered in response to lobbying efforts from the leather industry. A LinkedIn post from COTANCE, the European leather industry association, highlights their engagement with policymakers regarding the EUDR’s implementation.
The groups warn that removing leather from the regulation would create a glaring inconsistency. If the EU prohibits beef sourced from deforested land, but allows the sale of hides from cattle raised in the same areas, it would effectively reward unsustainable practices. This “policy incoherence” would undermine the EU’s commitment to combating deforestation and protecting vulnerable communities. The core argument is that leather is inextricably linked to the cattle industry, and should be subject to the same scrutiny.
Evidence Linking Leather to Deforestation and Abuse
The call to include leather isn’t simply a preventative measure; it’s based on existing evidence. Research conducted by Human Rights Watch in Brazil, published in October 2025, detailed how illegal ranches are devastating the rainforest and impacting local livelihoods. The report specifically linked leather supply chains to these illegal activities, highlighting instances of deforestation, land grabbing, and labor exploitation.
These findings aren’t isolated. Numerous organizations have documented similar connections between leather production and environmental degradation, as well as human rights violations. The concerns extend beyond deforestation to include issues like the use of harmful chemicals in the tanning process and the lack of transparency in supply chains. The EUDR, as currently conceived, aims to address these risks by requiring companies to conduct thorough due diligence and ensure responsible sourcing.
The Importance of Due Diligence
The EUDR’s emphasis on due diligence is central to the debate. The regulation requires companies to actively investigate their supply chains, identify and mitigate risks, and provide verifiable information about the origin of their products. Advocates argue that this level of scrutiny is essential for ensuring that leather isn’t contributing to deforestation or human rights abuses. Without it, they contend, the EU risks importing products tainted by illegal and unethical practices.
The implementation of the EUDR has faced delays, but the European Commission is scheduled to propose revisions to its implementing mechanisms in April 2026. This upcoming proposal will be a critical moment for determining the future of leather within the regulation. Industry groups are expected to continue their lobbying efforts, while civil society organizations will push for a comprehensive and effective approach that prioritizes environmental protection and human rights. The outcome will have significant implications for the global leather trade and the future of deforestation efforts.
The debate surrounding the EUDR and leather also highlights the broader challenges of regulating global supply chains. Ensuring traceability and accountability in complex industries requires international cooperation, robust enforcement mechanisms, and a commitment to transparency. The EU’s efforts, while facing challenges, could serve as a model for other countries seeking to address deforestation and promote sustainable practices.
The European Commission is expected to finalize its revisions to the EUDR implementing mechanisms by late 2026, with the full regulation scheduled to take effect in 2027. Stakeholders are closely watching these developments, anticipating a crucial test of the EU’s commitment to combating deforestation and promoting responsible trade. Further updates and official announcements can be found on the European Commission’s website.
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