EU drops leather from deforestation rules

BRUSSELS — The European Commission has adopted a delegated act removing cattle hides, skins and leather from the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), while keeping cattle and beef covered by the law.

The change, which was approved this week but now goes to the European Parliament and Council for scrutiny before entering into force, would mean that EU operators placing leather on the market would no longer be required to submit due diligence statements proving that hides and leather are deforestation‑free and legally produced.