Deforestation in the Paraguayan Chaco
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will improve the protection of forests by banning the import or sale of products associated with deforestation or produced illegally starting in 2027.
Full implementation of the EUDR, without further delays or weakening through so-called “simplification” measures or products exclusion from its scope, is essential to ensure the Regulation can effectively protect forests, biodiversity and Indigenous rights.
Right now, the law covers seven relevant commodities (cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood) and relevant products made with them - including leather.
But the EU Commission has just proposed to remove all leather, hides and skins from the scope of the law. This follows persistent lobbying from the European leather industry, who would rather be exempted from the law than clean up their supply chains.
This means leather, hides and skins from cattle reared on deforested land, or illegally within Indigenous territories, will be free to enter Europe. This will weaken the Regulation’s ability to address the impacts of EU consumption on the world’s forests.
26 NGOs and the largest Indigenous network in Brazil have written an open letter to the Commission explaining why leather should remain in the EUDR. NGOs have also prepared a briefing sharing more detailed arguments.
The EU Commission has invited members of the public to share their views on the draft changes to the list of products covered by the EUDR.
This is your chance to speak up.
Write your message via the form to tell decision-makers that the focus now should be on implementing the EUDR and ensuring Europe’s leather supply chains are deforestation-free.
You have until 1 June 2026 to make your voice heard!
Please note that your submission will be public on the Commission’s website.
