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In 2026, LWG Protocol 7 will be replaced by the LWG Sustainability System, which will comprise:
  • Leather Production Standard
  • Chain of Custody Standard
  • Decarbonisation Framework (including Site Carbon Metric).

This will be supported by:

  • Implementation guidance
  • Training materials
  • Standards-specific training for certified suppliers and brands
     

A formal process is in place for the development, publication, and maintenance of Leather Working Group standards – view the full document here.

The LWG Sustainability System

Leather Production Standard

The Leather Production Standard will focus on the core sections of the previous Protocol, including water, energy chemical management, and waste. It introduces enhanced due diligence requirements, including sourcing from areas at risk of deforestation and land conversion. Social and labour responsibility will become a core requirement. To avoid duplication and recognise established expertise, LWG will not carry out social audits directly. Instead, recognised third-party social audits or other mechanisms will contribute to certification outcomes and medal ratings.

Chain of Custody Standard

The Chain of Custody Standard is being created to provide improved supply chain transparency. The first version will certify material movement through tanneries to Tier One manufacturers. Future developments will extend certification upstream to slaughterhouses and farms, providing credible third-party verification across the supply chain.

Decarbonisation Framework

The first element of the Decarbonisation Framework, the Site Carbon Metric, is calculated using audit data. It enables facilities to set decarbonisation targets and track progress over time, and is designed to support continuous improvement, not site-to-site comparison.

 

Why are the LWG standards changing?

The continuous evolution of LWG standards has always been done through close work with technical experts from across the supply chain. We have chosen to make a significant update in 2026 because:

  • Businesses need risk-free supply chains. The only way to de-risk is to know as much as possible about what happens in the supply chain 
  • Consumers demand transparency. They expect brands to clearly communicate what their products are made from and where they are made
  • Growing pressure from legislation. There is greater regulation and accountability demanded of traceability, manufacturing processes and materials, and product end-of life processes

Both brands and manufacturers are expected to report detailed data and secure third-party certification. Leather Working Group plays a critical role in supporting these efforts.

How are LWG standards developed?

The updated standards have been developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, expert consultation, and public consultation processes. They are currently being tested through pilot programmes across a diverse range of facilities.  This approach ensures the standards are practical, robust, and globally relevant.

Pilot testing

Before standards updates can be launched, they must go beyond technical task teams and public consultations and be tested in real-world conditions. As of February 2026, the first pilot audits have been completed in India, putting the new updates into practice and discovering how they impact businesses. Further pilot testing is planned in Brazil.

Collaboration and consultation are central to the work of Leather Working Group. The next update to our standards, which includes the Leather Production Standard and Chain of Custody Standard, is being developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including experts from across the leather industry. This helps ensure that the standards are practical, credible, and widely accessible.

All pilot testing is supported by Leather Working Group standards and assurance representatives, and is conducted alongside an experienced LWG-approved auditor, with representation from certification body, LWG Assurance Services.

Implementation timeline

  • Mid 2026: Publication of updated Standards
  • Mid 2026 to end 2026: Transition period (Protocol 7 or updated Standards)
  • Early 2027: Updated Standards mandatory for all audits

During the transition period, facilities can choose to be audited against Protocol 7 or the updated Standards. We strongly encourage early adoption of the new system. Audits will continue to be delivered by LWG Assurance Services; facilities wishing to book audits should continue to contact LWG AS directly.

Contact LWG Assurance Services

Training, guidance, and support

Each Standard will be published and free-to-read on the LWG website so that anyone can gain a clear understanding of the requirements.
Auditors will use a secure digital assessment tool to carry out audits; this is for the purposes of the assessment only and facilities will be provided with both a copy of the Standard and full Guidance Notes, which will include:

  • Aims of the requirement
  • Examples of how to meet the requirement and acceptable types of evidence. 
  • Links to further useful information.

The Standards and Guidance will be available in a variety of languages.

The roll-out of the new Standards will be supported by full stakeholder training that includes an overview of the Standards and their requirements, along with modules that focus on key sections. Designed to directly connect with tanneries to develop their own skills, training will be delivered through:

  • Webinars
  • Recorded video
  • Reference guides

Learn more


Updates about the LWG Sustainability System, training, and pilot programmes will be available throughout 2026 via events, stakeholder briefings, webinars, and social media.

Please visit the User Area to sign up for the latest LWG Sustainability System training modules.

Leather Working Group User Area

If you are an LWG stakeholder and do not receive our monthly News Briefing, please send an email to:
communications@leatherworkinggroup.com
 

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