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The term ‘leather’ is protected by French legislation (Decree No 2010-29). Leather is the result of the transformation of putrescible matter, namely animal skin, into a durable and rot-proof product, by the process of tanning. This metamorphosis could not occur without the expert know-how of tanners.
By definition, therefore, the word ‘leather’ cannot be used for materials that are not derived from the transformation of animal skin.
Certain synthetic materials, materials derived from plants (pineapple, algae, fungi, etc.), reconstituted leather chips or powders, and even materials derived from lab-grown skins are often misleadingly associated with leather. None of these materials can be labelled leather.
The terms ‘synthetic leather’, ‘bonded leather’ or ‘leather derived from ...’ are therefore not legal and should never appear on a product label.
In regulating this term, the aim is to protect consumers and distributors of leather goods.
For the purpose of informing consumers, all finished products being sold in France must bear a composition label.
It should be noted that the labelling rules for footwear are different to those for other products containing leather, such as small leather goods, belts, bracelets and sofas.
To help ensure compliance with French and European regulations, CTC offers companies three composition labelling services.
The regulations in this area are highly nuanced and sometimes open to interpretation. Identifying materials requires in-depth expertise and appropriate equipment. Thanks to its macroscope, CTC's histology laboratory is able to distinguish the real from the fake!
Whether to identify the original animal species or to detect imitations, all materials undergo a rigorous macroscopic examination. This analysis, carried out by a CTC leather expert, makes it possible to recognise the different materials and to identify the animal species from which the skins come.
On the basis of these identifications, CTC helps marketers to determine what information should be included on the label of the finished product or to verify that their label complies with current regulations.
In the case of mixed products comprising textile, leather and fur, the requirements of Regulation No EU 1007/2011 on textile products and Decree No 2004-923 on fur must also be met.
Whether in-store, on the shelf or online, CTC will inspect your collections and, if necessary, assist you in ensuring that your finished product labels are compliant.
For the most contentious cases, samples are taken to CTC’s histology laboratory.
Labelling leather goods has become extremely complex. Considerations are not limited to respect for the consumer: the financial stakes involved in potential market withdrawals cannot be overlooked.
To help you avoid this kind of inconvenience, CTC is able to run a french labelling course, which includes a refresher on the different materials used to make shoes, bags or garments. The legal texts are also studied and, as a practical exercise, applied directly to the retailer's or the brand's products.
For such a course in a foreign language, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.