Delegates of Brazil’s leather associations recently met to discuss the necessary steps leading to the implementation of a new Brazilian law (N. 11.211 of 19.12.2005). Known as the 'Leather Law', it lays down the obligatory conditions for the identification of leather and leather imitation materials used in the production of footwear, garments and leathergoods.

Jose Waldir Dilkin, president of Brazilian Association of Leather Technicians and Chemists (ABQTIC), stated that the implementation of the law marked a huge victory for the associations after many years of fighting for its approval.

The Association of Tanners of Rio Grande do Sul (Aicsul), the Brazilian Association of Leather Tecnicians and Chemists (ABQTIC), the Brazilian Technology Institute for Leather, Footwear and Allied Trades (IBTEc), the Brazilian Association of Footwear Manufacturers (Abicalçados), the Brazilian Association of Manufacturers of Leather, Footwear and Apparel Components (Assintecal) and the Footwear Technology Centre - Senai (CT Calçado - Senai), which all took part in the meeting, form the managing group that will oversee the implementation of the law and a technical group will be established in due course.