Controlled term of origin to apply to leather
03/07/2009
The Brazilian authorities have granted controlled-term-of-origin status to leather from the Vale do Sinos region of Rio Grande do Sul.
The area, which has Novo Hamburgo at its centre, is the country's largest leather producing region.
Unlike in Europe, where controlled term of origin applies only to food and drink, Brazil has applied it to several types of industrial product too.
State-run consultancy body Sebrae has been working on the idea of applying it to Vale do Sinos leather since 2004, with Tanning Industry Association of Rio Grande do Sul (AICSul).
The owner of one of the tanneries in the region, Marli Balbinot, of Aplic Colour, said: "It doesn't matter whether our tanneries are producing bovine or goatskin leather, this decision means a guarantee of quality workmanship thanks to our traditions and up-to-date know-how."
She said the decision to give Vale do Sinos leather special status had come at just the right time as it would help tanneries like hers make a greater impression on export markets.
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