Industry Tips: Export of leather products must be “face-to-faceâ€
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In recent years, China's leather industry has become the largest in the world, with its exports of leather and related products consistently leading in the light industry for six consecutive years. However, while the scale of production continues to grow, an increasing number of technical trade barriers have emerged as a major challenge for Chinese leather exporters. These measures, often disguised under the guise of safety and environmental protection, are becoming common tools for trade protectionism among developed countries.
Currently, the European Union has introduced several new regulations that significantly impact the export of Chinese leather goods. Among these, the PFOS Directive stands out. Effective from June 27, 2008, this regulation limits the concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in finished products sold within the EU to no more than 0.005% by weight. PFOS was previously used in various applications, such as surface treatments for textiles, leather, furniture, and carpets, due to its water- and oil-repellent properties. The EU’s complete ban on PFOS in consumer products has had a profound impact on Chinese manufacturers in the textile and leather sectors.
Another key regulation is the DMF ban. On January 29, 2009, EU member states agreed to prohibit the sale or placement of consumer products containing dimethyl fumarate (DMF) above 0.1 ppm, effective May 1, 2009. Products containing DMF must be recalled, and consumers must be informed of potential risks. Earlier that year, France, Belgium, and Spain had already imposed similar restrictions on DMF-containing items.
Additionally, Germany recently updated its regulations regarding chromium compounds. The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection issued a report stating that chromium is one of the most significant allergens. As a result, the law now allows only trace amounts of chromate in leather products that come into direct contact with human skin, and it mandates strict processing methods to ensure compliance.
With the growing complexity and stricter requirements of EU technical trade measures, the inspection and quarantine authorities strongly advise Chinese exporting companies to urgently enhance the international competitiveness of their leather products. Companies should thoroughly understand EU regulations, improve production technology and product quality, and stay updated on the latest regulatory developments to ensure their products meet global market standards. This proactive approach will help them remain competitive and avoid unnecessary trade barriers.