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Leather Working Group is developing its next Standard. This will include moving from the current protocol to a Sustainability System that incorporates a Manufacturing Standard, Chain of Custody and Deforestation Due Diligence, along with the creation of a Carbon Footprint Tool. The work takes a multi stakeholder approach and is informed by ISEAL guidance. The development is overseen by a Programme Board that is made up of representatives from across our broad stakeholder group.

 

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

Consultation

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.


Public consultation is a key part of this process. This process allows stakeholders to share views, raise concerns, and show support, and gives companies a direct voice in how standards are developed.


The public consultation for the next update is now closed. Following more than 1,000 downloads worldwide, we received almost 3,000 individual comments across the four draft documents. All comments have been reviewed and used to inform the current draft, which is now being tested through pilot studies in tanneries around the world.


A full consultation report will be published after the pilot studies conclude in April 2026. Please check back here for updates.

Pilot Testing

Pilot testing helps ensure that proposed requirements are practical, scalable, and trusted across the leather industry.

The pilot programme covers the Leather Production Standard, Chain of Custody Standard, Due Diligence requirements, and selected social requirements. The first pilot tests have now taken place in India. Further pilot testing is planned in Brazil and Italy during February and March 2026.

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.

Following completion of the pilot programme, the updated LWG Standards are expected to be published in 2026.