The European Commission has confirmed that cattle hides and skins have been removed from the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), lifting what would have been a significant practical burden for meat processors.
These are by-products rather than a driver of livestock farming in their own right and full traceability is impractical to apply at a commercial level, so it makes sense to remove them from the regulation. Although hides have relatively low value compared with the rest of the carcase, the income they generate contributes to overall carcase balance and processor viability. If they could not be sold into the leather supply chain, processors would instead face the cost of disposal. This pragmatic move by the EU therefore avoids unnecessary traceability and compliance costs while allowing a valuable by-product to continue being put to productive use.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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