Dear European Fashion Industry

ClientEarth argues that the European fashion industry must advocate for the inclusion of leather in the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to ensure supply chains are free from illegal deforestation and human rights abuses. The letter challenges industry claims that leather is a harmless by-product or that traceability is impossible, noting that Brazil generates over US$1.1 billion annually in leather exports and that several major exporting nations already possess compatible traceability systems. It warns brands that failing to support the EUDR leaves them exposed to legal and reputational risks as consumers increasingly demand deforestation-free products.

• The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to apply from the end of 2026, requires that raw and prepared hides imported into the EU be traceable, deforestation-free, and produced legally, including compliance with labour standards and Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Industry groups, including COTANCE, the International Council of Tanners, the International Meat Secretariat, and the International Union of Hides, Skins and Leather Trade Associations, are lobbying to exclude leather from the EUDR, with a European Commission proposal to do so floated on 4 May 2026.
• Contrary to industry claims that leather is a mere by-product, it is a driver of deforestation; Brazil's leather exports generate over US$1.1 billion annually, making hide revenues significant for the economics of illegal ranching in the Amazon.
• Traceability for leather is technically feasible, as EU member states and major exporters such as Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay already have national traceability systems compatible with EU requirements.

APA

ClientEarth (2026). Dear European Fashion Industry. https://www.clientearth.org/media/kkmdml3n/open-letter-to-european-fashion-industry_5-may2026.pdf

Chicago

ClientEarth. Dear European Fashion Industry. 2026. https://www.clientearth.org/media/kkmdml3n/open-letter-to-european-fashion-industry_5-may2026.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=ClientEarth |title=Dear European Fashion Industry |date=5 May 2026 |url=https://www.clientearth.org/media/kkmdml3n/open-letter-to-european-fashion-industry_5-may2026.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{clientearth2026dear, author = {{ClientEarth}}, title = {{Dear European Fashion Industry}}, publisher = {ClientEarth}, year = {2026}, month = may, url = {https://www.clientearth.org/media/kkmdml3n/open-letter-to-european-fashion-industry_5-may2026.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }