27 June 2025
With LWG Protocol 7 set to be replaced by the LWG Leather Production Standard and the LWG Chain of Custody Standard from next year, now is the time to submit your feedback to Leather Working Group's public consultation.
In 2026, LWG Protocol 7 will be replaced by the LWG Leather Production Standard and the LWG Chain of Custody Standard, and the public consultation for submitting feedback is open until 26 August, 2025. (Other parts of the new Standard, such as social responsibility and due diligence, will open to public consultation at a later date.)
Receiving comments from stakeholder groups allows Leather Working Group to continue with the development of the Standards, as well as refining the assessment tool and guidance notes, so click the button below to get your copy of the draft version of the LWG Leather Production Standard and submit your feedback.
Please take some time to read through the document before submitting feedback, and don't forget to read some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What is a Standard and why is it no longer a protocol?
A standard is a document that sets out requirements for activities or their results that should be met and recommendations for adopting best practice. The LWG Leather Production Standard is an easy to read and easy to understand statement of the aims and ambitions of the LWG with regards to the responsible production of leather. It is intended to be fully transparent and available to all. Unlike a protocol, a Standard does not include the questions that will be used during the audit process. The audit questions will be listed in a separate assessment tool. Additionally, we will provide guidance notes for any leather manufacturer or facility that wishes to undergo an audit.
Why is LWG doing a public consultation as part of this Standard development process?
A public consultation creates inclusive dialogue between LWG and our stakeholders so that the development of the standard takes account of all stakeholders’ needs and concerns. LWG wants feedback from brands, leather suppliers, suppliers to the leather industry, trade associations, NGOs, and any other interested parties. Public consultation enables us to develop robust and credible standards by taking into consideration the views of a wide range of stakeholders.
What’s the process for the public consultation?
We have provided a PDF copy of the draft LWG Leather Production Standard and a form for your comments. Tell us your proposed change to the requirement, and give us the reason for the change. After the public consultation has closed, all comments will be considered together by LWG and industry experts and resolved. Resolutions may fall into 3 categories:
1. Accepted
2. Accepted with modification
3. Rejected
We will publish our responses to the public consultation feedback (anonymised) alongside the final published Leather Production Standard.
What’s included in the Draft Standard at this stage?
This is a draft and should not be regarded as an updated protocol. Requirements could change between public consultation and publication as a result of any feedback.
This consultation is for the sections of the Draft Leather Production Standard covering:
– Production Data
– Subcontractors
– Environmental Management System
– Health, Safety and Emergency
– Operating Permits
– Chemical Management
– Product Safety
– Water Usage
– Wastewater Management
– Energy
– Waste and By-product Management
– Air Emissions