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What is OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD?

(Former: LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®)

Like STANDARD 100 - for leather.

OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD is a globally harmonized, independent testing and certification system for leather products and accessories at all stages of production. Testing for harmful substances with LEATHER STANDARD incorporates important legal regulations, chemicals that pose a risk to health (including some that are not yet legally regulated) and a wide variety of health care parameters.

OEKO-TEX® is also working for more transparency in the leather industry as a contributing partner of the Sustainable Leather Foundation.

LEATHER STANDARD certifies leather-related goods.

LEATHER STANDARD vs. STANDARD 100

OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD Facts

  • OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certificates are valid for 1 year
  • There are four product classes based on risk
  • For a finished product to be labeled, the final product and each of its components must be tested
  • Annual renewal and testing is required - Renewal applications can be started up to 3 months before expiration
  • On-site audits are required in the first year of certification and every 3rd year thereafter

LEATHER STANDARD Certification Benefits:

  • A practical tool for quality assurance
  • Consumer protection with leather products that are harmless to human ecology and legally compliant - without expending internal resources
  • The modular principle of LEATHER STANDARD facilitates testing and certification at every processing stage. Duplicate testing costs are avoided by using certificates from prior stages – even for products with complex structures
  • As a 3rd party verified label, LEATHER STANDARD is a marketing tool for transparently documenting and promoting product stewardship efforts
  • The OEKO-TEX® criteria catalogue is applied consistently worldwide and provides standardized requirements for purchasing and delivery
  • Built in transparency increases product safety and saves time
  • Marketing opportunities in the OEKO-TEX® Buying Guide and external listings such as Texbase CertLink and Foursource.

LEATHER STANDARD Certificate Ownership and Use

A certification is only applicable to a product if each component - and the product itself - is certified.
Ownership

Who can own a LEATHER STANDARD certificate?

Any manufacturer or reseller of leather materials, finished goods or accessories - from any stage of processing - throughout the leather supply chain

Use

Using a Supplier's Certificate/Label

As long as no changes have been made to the product covered under a supplier's certificate, a company may use their supplier's certificate/label. Alternatively, many brands and retailers opt to re-certify the product(s) and maintain control with their own label number.

Pre-certification

Using Pre-certified Inputs

It is common that some or all of the inputs/ingredients of a product have been pre-certified by the supplier(s). Although this is NOT required, using pre-certified components helps to catch any issues at the source, where the chemical decisions are made in the supply chain.

LEATHER STANDARD Application Process

Application forms, sample instructions and screenshots walk you through the application and certification process.

Application

Certification

Downloads

Standard
Supplement
Factsheets & Brochures
Marketing

Technical Guides & Resources

Contact
Ben Mead
Managing Director
Hohenstein Americas