Industry Tips: Export of leather products must be “face-to-faceâ€
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The leather industry in China has become the largest in the world, with its exports of leather goods consistently ranking first in the light industry for six consecutive years. However, as production volumes grow, an increasing number of technical trade barriers from foreign markets have emerged as a major challenge to export growth. These measures, often disguised as safety and environmental protection regulations, are increasingly used as tools for trade protection by developed countries.
Currently, the European Union has introduced several key regulations that significantly impact Chinese leather exports. One such regulation is the PFOS Directive. Effective from June 27, 2008, this directive restricts the use of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in consumer products, limiting its concentration to no more than 0.005% of the total mass. PFOS was widely used in textiles, leather, furniture, and carpets for its water- and oil-repellent properties. The EU's complete ban on PFOS has had a profound impact on Chinese manufacturers, especially those in the textile and leather sectors.
Another important regulation is the DMF ban. On January 29, 2009, EU member states decided to prohibit the sale or placement of consumer products containing more than 0.1 ppm of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) starting May 1, 2009. Products containing DMF must be recalled, and consumers must be informed about potential risks. Earlier in 2009, France, Belgium, and Spain had already implemented similar bans.
In addition, the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection recently issued a report stating that chromate, a known allergen, must not be present in leather products that come into contact with the human body. The law now allows only trace amounts of chromate to be detected in the final product, and strict processing methods must be followed.
Given the growing complexity and stricter requirements of EU technical trade measures, Chinese export companies are urged to enhance their international competitiveness. It is essential for enterprises to fully understand the EU’s regulatory framework, improve production technologies, and ensure product quality meets global standards. Staying updated on new regulations and their implementation timelines is crucial to maintaining market access and avoiding trade disruptions. By proactively adapting to these challenges, Chinese leather exporters can better position themselves in the competitive global market.