AHSLEA is the national membership body representing the interests of the major exporters of Australian cattle hides, calf skins, sheep and lamb skins, kangaroo skins, and goat skins. The Association is also a member of the International Council of Hides, Skins and Leather Traders Association (ICHSLTA), which promotes, develops, and protects the international trade in raw hides, skins, and leathers.
State and national legislation, and codes of conduct, strictly regulate and monitor the meat industry in terms of animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Australia’s strict environmental protection regulations ensure the Australian leather industry is amongst the cleanest in the world.
The industry saves around 8 million cattle hides and over 26 million sheep, goat and kangaroo skins from landfill every year.
AHSLEA is dedicated to promoting the adoption of official International Contracts. Backed by the International Council of Tanners (ICT), and the International Council of Hides, Skins, and Leather Traders Association (ICHSLTA), International Contracts ensure comprehensive coverage for the leather industry; they offer clarity, legal protection, and benefit both buyers and sellers.
A landmark ruling from Germany’s Higher Regional Court of Cologne has confirmed what we’ve long advocated: leather means leather – not plastic, not fruit waste, not synthetic alternatives. The court ruled that Mina Merchandising GmbH can no longer market synthetic products as “apple leather,” following legal action by the German Leather Industry Association (VDL). This…
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We’re proud to continue sharing the progress of AHSLEA’s Sustainability Framework — a roadmap toward building a more ethical, inclusive, and community-focused sector. Our commitment goes beyond environmental responsibility to encompass the people who power our industry and the communities where we operate. This month, we’re spotlighting Labour Standards & Local Employment. Discover how the Australian…
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