EU National Tannery Association Secretary General Talks About The Distortion Of Leather.

Exclusive interview European Union tanning Association Alliance (COTANCE) Secretary General GustavoGonzalez-Quijano

Many countries have legislated the use of the word "leather". The purpose is to avoid using other leather imitation materials (such as polymers) as leather, thereby reducing costs and imitating genuine products.

For example, in France, Italy, Spain and Brazil, the term "leather" has been legislated. Since the country does not allow the use of leather and its derivatives to identify raw materials and finished products not made from animal skins, it is used in Brazil. Synthetic leather "The word" is illegal ". This provision is passed under 8/11.211/05.

In order to illustrate the status of the use of the word leather in the current legislation and the status of its enforcement or enforcement, FashionNetAsia consulted the Secretary General of the European Union tanning Association (Cotance) GustavoGonzalez-Quijano.

The motto of FashionNetAsia (FNA):COTANCE is "to contribute to the European leather industry". Can you give us a brief introduction of what contributions COTANCE has made in Europe to safeguard the interests of the leather industry so that it will not misuse and distort the interpretation of "leather" with the term "synthetic leather"?

GustavoGonzalez-Quijano (GGQ): our motto "contribution to European leather industry" was proposed by former chairman GiuseppeWalterPeretti (Italy ConceriaCristina) in 2004. It is obvious that COTANCE serves European leather industry, but the signal that Peretti chairman wants to convey is the need of leather industry ambassadors. It has become a strong supporter of COTANCE. Its purpose is to motivate our members and other foreign participants to follow our steps. At the same time, in our constituencies, in Europe, Brazil, the United States, China and India, we must contribute to the leather industry in order to prevent leather from being exposed to various risks.

The term "synthetic leather" is a good example, showing us the serious risks faced by "leather". We must take active measures to avoid the spread of the word like cancer and finally to ruin leather. As a tanning dealer, you think you have already been sentenced to death if you think leather is not leather.

In Europe, COTANCE and its members are constantly monitoring the market and questioning any commercial communication, advertising, technical instructions or any words that may cause confusion. The law that supports our actions lies in the "past" Member States of the European Union. COTANCE is now working out an EU regulation to protect leather and coordinate all labels of leather products in the European community.

We are very pleased to see similar actions taken by CICB Brazil and hope that other parties will act as we do.

　　 In the commercial world, what measures should be taken to ensure the correct use of leather Related words so as to avoid counterfeiting leather products (in many cases, petrochemical products) forged into genuine leather products?

GGQ: let's distinguish between preventive measures and corrective actions.

Alertness is very important to the operators and agencies of leather industry. If you can not take relevant measures, spanmit the erroneous description or the erroneous relationship information to your affiliate, and ask them to take measures.

In order to emphasize the wrong application of the word "leather" once again, the leather industry in the world should legislate to prevent others from occupying the word "leather" and punish the abusers. If your country does not have legislation on leather, lobbying relevant departments to legislate. If not, seek help from peers and try to make general legislation on consumer protection at the same time.

"Synthetic leather" and "artificial leather" convey a contradiction in meaning. There is no "artificial" or "synthetic" leather material. According to ICT (International tanning merchants Council), these statements are not internationally recognized as skin definitions. These materials should be named after their real names so as not to mislead consumers; these materials may be vinyl, plastic or other man-made materials, and their names should be named according to these materials.

　　 Do you know that judicial cases have been put forward to prevent the use of leather words in the background of legal definition?

GGQ: we are collecting some national or European case law in the region (which covers not only the case of leather, but also other material cases, which will be used for leather). We have gained some useful experience.

Judicial proceedings are not the ultimate goal. Many cases can be settled amicably before trial. The potential threat of legal regulations is a powerful lever for remedial measures. Punishment and sanctions are very large. According to my experience, no case can be settled amicably.

We are now studying a case involving a few EU Member States. In this case, we may need to seek help from the administrative tribunal, which may require assistance from the judicial system after seeking assistance from the administrative tribunal. You may understand that I will not give you any details.

If the "LeatherNaturally!" program helps solve these deficiencies, it can help COTANCE or other organizations in this field.

We are envisaging different approaches in Europe to solve our structural deficiencies through joint parties based on that common purpose. One way is to set up a bank account for fund raising and follow the practice of NGOs mentioned by you. However, if this method is to be trusted by others, a clear project plan is required, so that other businesses in the leather industry will be able to give money as they say. The funding needs to be approved by others, which makes people feel rewarded.

　　 Finally, considering the fact that the China Leather Industry Association is promoting the leather logo, how do you view the situation in the Asian region in promoting the correct use of leather?

GGQ: during my IULTCS meeting in Beijing in October 2009, I met with representatives of the China Leather Industry Association. I also had ICT Secretary PaulPearson. We have fruitful talks on many things, including the correct use of the word leather. Overall, in Asia, this is a very complicated matter, because it is related to different cultural backgrounds. In Asia, we unfortunately find that in many cases, the word leather is wrongly used. We remind our Chinese colleagues that this situation may surprise and unpleasant those who export synthetic products to other markets, and we have provided all cooperation.

I must also say that I have great respect and thank the China Leather Industry Association for seriously promoting leather sales. China's real leather logo is a good start. I hope more and more Chinese operators will use the real leather logo to add strength and resources to China's leather promotion.