EU ban on toxic leather
Since May 1, 2015, leather containing chromium VI may not be placed on the market in the EU.
The EU has banned the import of leather contaminated with chromium VI since May 1, 2015. The substance can trigger severe contact allergies.
The compound can arise when leather is tanned with chromium III salts. This occurs when the starting compounds are contaminated or the manufacturing processes are of inadequate quality. If there is an allergy, even the smallest amounts of chromium VI can trigger allergic skin eczema. Those affected must therefore avoid contact with products containing chromium VI.
The EU has therefore adopted the long-standing German ban on chromium VI in leather articles. This means that leather articles with prolonged skin contact that contain more than 3 mg/kg of the compound may not be sold.
Nevertheless, workers in tanneries in countries such as China, Indonesia and India are still exposed to chemicals on a daily basis. The German Südwind Institute has therefore launched the campaign "Change your Shoes", which calls for better working and safety conditions for tannery employees. The focus is on improving health protection.
