Excerpt from standard:

3.4 General Substance Requirements 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances Compliance Verification The applicant and the suppliers of semi-finished leather products (e.g. wet-blue) shall declare compliance with the requirements in Annex 1 or Annex 2, respectively, and submit a list of all process chemicals and their manufacturers according to Annex 3. Current Material Safety Data Sheets according to Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 shall be presented in English and German for all process chemicals. Changes in the process chemicals (elimination/addition/modification of composition) shall be reported to RAL gGmbH immediately by submission of the Material Safety Data Sheets. Checklist and Notes Re: Application for the Blue Angel Eco-Label pursuant to RAL-UZ 148 for "Leather" Dear Sir or Madam, to make sure your application for Award of the Environmental Label is processed without delay you are kindly requested to submit the following documents to RAL gGmbH: Product-related informal application on the applicant's letter-head paper Annex 3a: List of the process chemicals used at the beamhouse and in tanning which are classified by Hazard (H) Statements according to Appendix 2. Substances are to be listed in Annex 3a only if they are listed in the Material Safety Data Sheets of process chemicals classified by a hazard statement according to Appendix 2. All other process chemicals need not be entered. If semi-finished products from suppliers (tanneries) are used the supplier shall complete Annex 3a. Annex 3b: List of all process chemicals used after the tanning process. All process chemicals used are to be listed in Annex 3b. Annexes 4: Declaration of the Manufacturers/Suppliers of Chemicals To be submitted for all process chemicals used in tanning (if remaining in the finished leather) as well as for all process chemicals used in the subsequent processes. Annexes: Material Safety Data Sheets according to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for the chemicals listed in Annex 3a and Annex 3b.

Referenzdokumente:

3.4 General Substance Requirements ........................................................................... 9 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances ..................................................................................... 9

Excerpt from standard:

3.4 General Substance Requirements 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances (...) Also, the leather product must not contain, as constituent components, any substances with the following characteristics: [1]Substances that have been identified as substances of very high concern according to Regulation (EC) No 1906/2006 (REACH) and have been included in the list (so-called Candidate List) set up in accordance with REACH, Article 59(1).

Referenzdokumente:

3.4 General Substance Requirements ........................................................................... 9 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances ..................................................................................... 9

Excerpt from standard:

3.4 General Substance Requirements 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances Compliance with the relevant substance restrictions of the European and German chemicals law as well as with the trade-specific regulations is a prerequisite. With regard to leather these rules are, above all, the following: (...) Biocidal Products Regulation ( Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products) 3.5 Leather 3.5.1 Preservatives Notwithstanding paragraph 3.4 (General Substance Requirements) preservatives shall fall under Appendix A to DE-UZ 148 (edition of March 2015). Chemical preservation for the transportation and storage of raw hides as well as tanned semi-finished products (wet blue, wet white) shall be avoided to the greatest extent possible. A chemical preservation of the finished leather, including the coatings, shall not be permitted13. Testing shall be performed on the finished leather with a moisture content of about 10 percent. It shall be repeated at least every six months and the results shall be presented to RAL gGmbH upon request. If testing reveals preservatives at levels exceeding the maximum values set RAL gGmbH shall be informed immediately. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare in Annex 1 that the leather is manufactured without the use of preservatives (complete survey from slaughter to the finished leather) or name the preservatives used. Also, the applicant shall submit to RAL gGmbH first upon filing the application a test report according to DIN EN ISO 13365 listing the preservatives listed in Appendix A along with the test methods described therein. Sampling shall be done in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2418. Appendix A Biocidal conservatives for Leather 1 Preservation 1.1 Admissible Biocidal Active Substances The following biocidal active substances may be used in accordance with the DE-UZ 148 Basic Criteria to protect raw hides and tanned semi-finished products (wet blue, wet white) during storage and transportation. In doing so, the limit values listed in the table below shall be observed in the final product “leather” (...) 1.2 2-(Thiocyanato-methylthio)benzothiazole (TCMTB) The cumulative parameter with benzothiazole-2-thiol (MBT) as decomposition product of TCMTB shall be determined as limit value. This cumulative parameter shall not exceed the following limit value in the final product “leather”: 1.3 Non-Approved Biocidal Active Substances” According to DE-UZ 148, all other biocidal active substances of PT 9 may not be used to protect raw hides and tanned semi-finished products (wet blue, wet white) during storage and transportation. Analytical verifications shall be provided for the active substances listed in Table 3. Starting out from the analysis method and from the detection limit of these substances the criterion shall be considered met if the following limit values are not exceeded in the final product “leather”: (...) 3 Amendments to Appendix A to the DE-UZ148 Basic Criteria for Leather Provided that preservatives are permitted as preservatives for leather (product group 9) within the scope of the evaluation and approval process under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012 their inclusion in Table 1 of Appendix A to DE-UZ 148 will be checked by the German Umweltbundesamt (UBA) in consultation with Landesgewerbeanstalt (LGA) Bayern (Regional Trade Institute - Bavaria) and Lederfachinstitut FILK (Research Institute of Leather and Plastic Sheeting), Freiberg. Inclusion in Table 1 is limited to those preservatives of product type 9 for which a determination method for leather exists and which are not classified as a strong contact allergen (Car: A) in the BgVV List – (BgVV - Bundesinstitut für Gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutz und Veterinärmedizin - German institute for consumer health protection and veterinary medicine). In a similar manner, additional limit values may be included or the conditions of use may be adapted to the state of the art. If a biocidal active substance listed in Table 1 is not included in accordance with the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012 for product type 9 it will be deleted from Table 1 of Appendix A to DE-UZ 148.

Referenzdokumente:

3.4 General Substance Requirements ........................................................................... 9 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances ..................................................................................... 9 3.5 Leather ............................................................................................................. 10 3.5.1 Preservatives .................................................................................................. 10 Appendix A Biocidal conservatives for Leather ............................................................... 17

Excerpt from standard:

3.5.10 Flame Retardants Flame retardants shall not be used. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with this requirement in Annex 1

Referenzdokumente:

3.5.10 Flame Retardants ............................................................................................ 14 "

Excerpt from standard:

3.4 General Substance Requirements 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances (...) Also, the leather product must not contain, as constituent components, any substances with the following characteristics: (...) [2]Substances that have been classified according to the CLP Regulation in the following hazard categories or meet the criteria for such classification: (...)  hazardous to the aquatic environment of category Aquatic Chronic 1, Aquatic chronic 2 or Aquatic Acute 1  hazardous to the ozone layer of category Ozone 1 The H-Statements corresponding to the hazard categories can be seen from Appendix B. Compliance Verification The applicant and the suppliers of semi-finished leather products (e.g. wet-blue) shall declare compliance with the requirements in Annex 1 or Annex 2, respectively, and submit a list of all process chemicals and their manufacturers according to Annex 3. Current Material Safety Data Sheets according to Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 shall be presented in English and German for all process chemicals. Changes in the process chemicals (elimination/addition/modification of composition) shall be reported to RAL gGmbH immediately by submission of the Material Safety Data Sheets. Appendix B Assignment of Hazard Categories and Hazard Statements The following table assigns the respective hazard statements (H statements) referred to in these Basic Criteria to the hazard categories of the substances that are generally excluded according to para. 3.4.1. Substances classified for Environmental Hazards Aquatic Acute 1 H400 Very toxic to aquatic life. Aquatic Chronic. 1 H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Aquatic Chronic. 2 H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Ozone 1 H420 Hazardous to the ozone layer. New: Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere Appendix A Biocidal conservatives for Leather 1 Preservation 1.1 Admissible Biocidal Active Substances The following biocidal active substances may be used in accordance with the DE-UZ 148 Basic Criteria to protect raw hides and tanned semi-finished products (wet blue, wet white) during storage and transportation. In doing so, the limit values listed in the table below shall be observed in the final product “leather”.

Referenzdokumente:

3.4 General Substance Requirements ........................................................................... 9 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances ..................................................................................... 9

Excerpt from standard:

3.4 General Substance Requirements 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances (...) Also, the leather product must not contain, as constituent components, any substances with the following characteristics: (...) [2]Substances that have been classified according to the CLP Regulation in the following hazard categories or meet the criteria for such classification:  carcinogenic of category Carc. 1A, Carc. 1B  mutagenic of category Muta. 1A, Muta. 1B  reprotoxic of category Repr. 1A, Repr. 1B  acutely toxic of category Acute Tox. 1, Acute Tox. 2  toxic to specific target organs of category STOT SE1, STOT SE 2, STOT RE 1 or STOT RE 2  sensitizing to the respiratory tract of category Resp. Sens. 1, Resp. Sens. 1 A or Resp. Sens. 1B (...) [3]Substances classified in TRGS 90512 as:  carcinogenic (K1, K2),  mutagenic (M1, M2)  reprotoxic (RF1, RF2, RE 1, RE2) Compliance Verification The applicant and the suppliers of semi-finished leather products (e.g. wet-blue) shall declare compliance with the requirements in Annex 1 or Annex 2, respectively, and submit a list of all process chemicals and their manufacturers according to Annex 3. Current Material Safety Data Sheets according to Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 shall be presented in English and German for all process chemicals. Changes in the process chemicals (elimination/addition/modification of composition) shall be reported to RAL gGmbH immediately by submission of the Material Safety Data Sheets. Appendix B Assignment of Hazard Categories and Hazard Statements The following table assigns the respective hazard statements (H statements) referred to in these Basic Criteria to the hazard categories of the substances that are generally excluded according to para. 3.4.1. CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 Hazard category H Statement Wording Carcinogenic Substances Carc. 1A H350 May cause cancer. Carc. 1B H350 May cause cancer. Carc. 1A, 1B H350i May cause cancer by inhalation. Mutagenic Substances Muta. 1A H340 May cause genetic defects. Muta. 1B H340 May cause genetic defects. Reprotoxic Substances Repr. 1A, 1B H360D May damage the unborn child. Repr. 1A, 1B H360F May damage fertility. Repr. 1A, 1B H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. Repr. 1A, 1B H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility. Repr. 1A, 1B H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. Acutely toxic substances Acute Tox. 1, Acute Tox. 2 H300 Fatal if swallowed. Acute Tox. 3 H301 Toxic if swallowed. Acute Tox. 1 Acute Tox. 2 H310 Fatal in contact with skin. Acute Tox. 3 H311 Toxic in contact with skin. Acute Tox. 1, Acute Tox. 2 H330 Fatal if inhaled. Acute Tox. 3 H331 Toxic if inhaled. Substances classified for Specific Target Organ Toxicity STOT SE 1 H370 Causes damage to organs. STOT SE 2 H371 May cause damage to organs. STOT RE 1 H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. STOT RE 2 H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Referenzdokumente:

3.4 General Substance Requirements ........................................................................... 9 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances ..................................................................................... 9

Excerpt from standard:

3.5.2 Hexavalent Chromium Leather requires a determination of hexavalent chromium - with and without a stress test - where hexavalent chromium may not be detectable (detection limit: 3 mg/kg). The test shall be repeated at least every six months and the results shall be submitted to RAL gGmbH upon request. If the test shows that hexavalent chromium is present in concentrations above the detection limit of 3 mg/kg RAL gGmbH shall be informed immediately. Compliance Verification The applicant shall submit to RAL gGmbH - upon filing the application and, also, each time the composition is changed, a test report according to DIN EN ISO 17075 (February 2008) showing that hexavalent chromium has not been detected (detection limit: 3 mg/kg). Sampling shall be done in accordance with EN ISO 2418. The ground/cut leather sample shall be examined with and without the aid of a stress test (aging test). To perform a stress test, the ground/cut leather sample (single piece approx. 0.5 x 0.5 cm) shall be first stored for 24 hours at a temperature of 80°C in a drying chamber without convection at a humidity of < 5%. After 24 hours the sample shall be taken out of the drying chamber, cooled in an exsiccator for at least 30 minutes and examined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17075 within 2 hours after taking it out of the drying chamber. If there are variations in the test condition the general conditions shall be specified. 3.5.3 Indoor Air Quality The products under paragraph 2 shall not exceed the below-listed emission values in the test chamber following the „health risk assessment process for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building products” developed by the Ausschuss zur gesundheitlichen Bewertung von Bauprodukten (Committee for Health-Related Evaluation of Building Products)14: Substance 3rd day Final value (28th day) Formaldehyde 60 μg/m3 (0,05 ppm) Other aldehydes 15 (total) 60 μg/m3 Total organic compounds within the retention range C6 – C16 (TVOC) - ≤ 450 μg/m3 Total organic compounds within the retention range C16 – C22 (TSVOC) - ≤ 80 μg/m3 C-substances ≤ 10 μg/m3 total ≤ 1 μg/m3 per single value Total VOC without LCI ≤ 60 μg/m3 R-value ≤ 1 The test may be stopped 7 days after charging the test chamber at the earliest if the values determined are less than half the values required in the 28-day test and no significant increases in the concentration of individual substances are observed – in comparison to the levels observed on day 3. The indoor-air quality tests shall be repeated at two-year intervals in conjunction with the odour test under para. 3.6. The results of such repeat testing shall be reported to RAL gGmbH without further demand. 3.5.4 Extractable Heavy Metals The concentrations of the heavy metals listed in the table below shall not exceed the respective detection limits. Extractable Heavy Metal Limit Value Chromium in chromium-tanned leather 200 mg/kg Cobalt 4 mg/kg Copper 50 mg/kg Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with the requirements in Annex 1 and submit a test report according to DIN EN ISO 17072-1. Test samples shall be prepared in accordance with EN ISO 4044, the samples shall be fully ground up. 3.5.5 Organotin Compounds Tin in organic form (tin bonded to a carbon atom) shall not be used. Compliance Verification The applicant shall submit the declarations from all chemicals suppliers confirming compliance with this requirement (Annex 4). 3.5.6 Dyes and Pigments The dyes and pigments listed in Appendix C shall not be used. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare in Annex 1 that the substances listed in Appendix C are not used or present compliance verifications in accordance with DIN EN 17234-1. Also, the applicant shall submit the test results obtained – with respect to leather – using the test method described in DIN EN ISO 17234-1 and - with respect to 4-aminobenzene – those obtained using the test method described in DIN EN ISO 17234-2: 2011. The maximum concentration shall be 20 mg/kg each. 3.5.7 Chloroparaffins/Chloralkanes Chloroalkanes shall not be used. 3.5.8 Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Chemicals Neither perfluorinated nor polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), as for example, fluorocarbon resins and fluorocarbon emulsions, perfluorinated sulfonic and carboxylic acids nor substances that might be broken down into these chemicals shall be used. 3.5.9 Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Alkylphenols Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and their derivatives shall not be used. Compliance Verification The applicant shall submit the declarations from all chemicals suppliers confirming compliance with this requirement (Annex 4). Alternatively, testing may be performed by means of solvent extraction and GC-MS determination or LC-MS determination according to DIN EN ISO 18218, Parts 1 und 2. The content of alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates shall not exceed 100 mg/kg each.

Referenzdokumente:

3.5 Leather ............................................................................................................. 10 3.5.2 Hexavalent Chromium ..................................................................................... 11 3.5.3 Indoor Air Quality ............................................................................................ 11 3.5.4 Extractable Heavy Metals ................................................................................. 13 3.5.5 Organotin Compounds ..................................................................................... 13 3.5.7 Chloroparaffins/Chloralkanes ............................................................................ 13 3.5.8 Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Chemicals ...................................................... 14 3.5.9 Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Alkylphenols ........................................................... 14

Excerpt from standard:

3.4 General Substance Requirements 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances (...) Also, the leather product must not contain, as constituent components, any substances with the following characteristics: (...) [2]Substances that have been classified according to the CLP Regulation in the following hazard categories or meet the criteria for such classification: (...)  sensitizing to the respiratory tract of category Resp. Sens. 1, Resp. Sens. 1 A or Resp. Sens. 1B 3.5.4 Extractable Heavy Metals The concentrations of the heavy metals listed in the table below shall not exceed the respective detection limits. Extractable Heavy Metal Limit Value Chromium in chromium-tanned leather 200 mg/kg Cobalt 4 mg/kg Copper 50 mg/kg 3.5.6 Dyes and Pigments The dyes and pigments listed in Appendix C shall not be used. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare in Annex 1 that the substances listed in Appendix C are not used or present compliance verifications in accordance with DIN EN 17234-1. Also, the applicant shall submit the test results obtained – with respect to leather – using the test method described in DIN EN ISO 17234-1 and - with respect to 4-aminobenzene – those obtained using the test method described in DIN EN ISO 17234-2: 2011. The maximum concentration shall be 20 mg/kg each. Appendix C Dyes and Pigments the use of which is not permitted under para. 3.5.6: (according to Commission Decision 2014/350/EC (EU ecolabel for textile products): a) Carcinogenic aromatic amines (...) b) Indicative list of dyes that may cleave to carcinogenic aromatic amines (...) c) Dyes that are CMR or which potentially be sensitizing (...)

Referenzdokumente:

3.4 General Substance Requirements ........................................................................... 9 3.4.1 Exclusion of Substances ..................................................................................... 9 3.5.6 Dyes and Pigments .......................................................................................... 13

Excerpt from standard:

3.5.6 Dyes and Pigments The dyes and pigments listed in Appendix C shall not be used. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare in Annex 1 that the substances listed in Appendix C are not used or present compliance verifications in accordance with DIN EN 17234-1. Also, the applicant shall submit the test results obtained – with respect to leather – using the test method described in DIN EN ISO 17234-1 and - with respect to 4-aminobenzene – those obtained using the test method described in DIN EN ISO 17234-2: 2011. The maximum concentration shall be 20 mg/kg each. Appendix C Dyes and Pigments the use of which is not permitted under para. 3.5.6: (according to Commission Decision 2014/350/EC (EU ecolabel for textile products): a) Carcinogenic aromatic amines

Referenzdokumente:

3.5.6 Dyes and Pigments .......................................................................................... 13 Appendix C Dyes and Pigments the use of which is not permitted under para. 3.5.6: .......... 22

Excerpt from standard:

3.3 Requirements for the Leather Manufacturing Process 3.3.1 Water Consumption The following water consumption limits shall not be exceeded: • ≤ 25m³/t altogether for raw hides of cattle - with the following limits for the different sub- processes:  ≤ 18 m3/t for raw hides of cattle to the processing stage “wet blue/wet white”  ≤ 10 m³/t for raw hides of cattle from the wet blue/wet white processing state to the finished leather • ≤ 45 m3/t for calf and goat skins • ≤ 80 m³/t for pigs skins and • ≤ 120 m³/t altogether for sheep skins, with the following limits for the different sub- processes:  ≤ 80 m³/t for sheep skins from raw skin to pickling  ≤ 55 m³/t for sheep skins from pickling to wet blue  ≤ 45 m³/t for sheep skins from wet blue to finished leather. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with the requirements in Annex 1. The application documents shall include a documentation of the annual production and water consumption figures. (Upon filing the application, the applicant shall present the annual production and water consumption figures for the previous year). These data shall cover the entire leather process. If semi-finished products are processed (wet blue, among others) the pre-supplier shall additionally submit a declaration documenting the annual production and water consumption figures (Annex 2).

Referenzdokumente:

3.3 Requirements for the Leather Manufacturing Process ................................................ 7 3.3.1 Water Consumption ........................................................................................... 7

Referenzdokumente:

3.2.2. waste water discharge requirements

Excerpt from standard:

3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment Wastewater from leather production processes shall not exceed the following limits for direct discharge into a water body: • COD of 200 mg/l or at least a 95% reduction compared with the monthly average inflow • 10 mg/l of ammonia nitrogen • 0.5 mg/l of AOX • value of 2 for toxicity to fish eggs (GEi) • BOD < 25 mg/l • 2 mg/l of sulfide in the sulfide-containing sub-stream (wastewater from soaking, liming and deliming processes, each including rinsing) and • 1 mg/l of total chromium in the chromium-containing sub-stream (wastewater from tanning, including samming, as well as from post-tanning operations. Wastewater from leather production processes shall not exceed the following limits for indirect discharge (prior to the discharge into a municipal or central wastewater treatment plant): • 2 mg/l of sulfide in the sulfide-containing sub-stream (wastewater from soaking, liming and deliming processes, each including rinsing) and • 1 mg/l of chromium altogether in the chromium-containing sub-stream (wastewater from tanning, including samming, as well as from post-tanning operations). Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with the requirements and submit a confirmation by the supervising authority to verify compliance with the requirements in Annex 1. Also, the applicant shall present test reports in accordance with Appendix B5 to the German Wastewater Ordinance or equivalent international test reports. The concentration measurement of sulfide and chromium can be made in the full stream before discharge into a body of water (direct discharge) or into a municipal or central wastewater treatment plant (indirect discharge). If so, the applicant shall report the mixing ratio of the sub-streams in order to allow a back calculation. A retrograde calculation taking into account the degradation rate of the sewage treatment plant in accordance with Appendix D shall also be admissible. The following test methods shall be used: • Chemical oxygen demand (COD): ISO 6060 or DIN 38409-41 or DIN-ISO 15705 • AOX (chloride content < 5 g/l): DIN EN ISO 9562 or • AOX (chloride content > 5 g/l): DIN 38409-22 • Biological oxygen demand (BOD): DIN EN 1899 • Sulfide: DIN 38405-27 or ISO 10530 • Chromium: ISO 9174 or DIN EN 1233 or EN ISO 11885 • Ammonia nitrogen: DIN EN ISO 11732 • Toxicity to fish eggs: DIN EN ISO 15088. In addition, the applicant shall submit a declaration stating that the discharge values of the wastewater treatment plant are checked at least every six months (Annex 1). If the wastewater is discharged into municipal or central wastewater treatment plants (indirect discharge) the applicant shall additionally submit the permit (if discharged to municipal wastewater treatment plants) or the contract terms (if discharged to central wastewater treatment plants) verifying that discharge is permitted and the municipal wastewater treatment plant meets at least the requirements of Directive 91/271/EEC. If semi-finished products are processed (e.g. wet blue) all compliance verifications shall be additionally submitted by the pre-supplier too (Annex 2).

Referenzdokumente:

3.3 Requirements for the Leather Manufacturing Process ................................................ 7 3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment ............................................................. 8

Excerpt from standard:

3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment (...) In addition, the applicant shall submit a declaration stating that the discharge values of the wastewater treatment plant are checked at least every six months (Annex 1). If the wastewater is discharged into municipal or central wastewater treatment plants (indirect discharge) the applicant shall additionally submit the permit (if discharged to municipal wastewater treatment plants) or the contract terms (if discharged to central wastewater treatment plants) verifying that discharge is permitted and the municipal wastewater treatment plant meets at least the requirements of Directive 91/271/EEC. If semi-finished products are processed (e.g. wet blue) all compliance verifications shall be additionally submitted by the pre-supplier too (Annex 2). (from annex 2) 2. Use of Water Declaration: The water consumption for the above-mentioned processing was: m ³/t The information is to be supported by appropriate documents to be attached to the declaration.

Referenzdokumente:

3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment ............................................................. 8

Excerpt from standard:

3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment Wastewater from leather production processes shall not exceed the following limits for direct discharge into a water body: • COD of 200 mg/l or at least a 95% reduction compared with the monthly average inflow • 10 mg/l of ammonia nitrogen • 0.5 mg/l of AOX • value of 2 for toxicity to fish eggs (GEi) • BOD < 25 mg/l • 2 mg/l of sulfide in the sulfide-containing sub-stream (wastewater from soaking, liming and deliming processes, each including rinsing) and • 1 mg/l of total chromium in the chromium-containing sub-stream (wastewater from tanning, including samming, as well as from post-tanning operations. Wastewater from leather production processes shall not exceed the following limits for indirect discharge (prior to the discharge into a municipal or central wastewater treatment plant): • 2 mg/l of sulfide in the sulfide-containing sub-stream (wastewater from soaking, liming and deliming processes, each including rinsing) and • 1 mg/l of chromium altogether in the chromium-containing sub-stream (wastewater from tanning, including samming, as well as from post-tanning operations). Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with the requirements and submit a confirmation by the supervising authority to verify compliance with the requirements in Annex 1. Also, the applicant shall present test reports in accordance with Appendix B5 to the German Wastewater Ordinance or equivalent international test reports. The concentration measurement of sulfide and chromium can be made in the full stream before discharge into a body of water (direct discharge) or into a municipal or central wastewater treatment plant (indirect discharge). If so, the applicant shall report the mixing ratio of the sub-streams in order to allow a back calculation. A retrograde calculation taking into account the degradation rate of the sewage treatment plant in accordance with Appendix D shall also be admissible. The following test methods shall be used: • Chemical oxygen demand (COD): ISO 6060 or DIN 38409-41 or DIN-ISO 15705 • AOX (chloride content < 5 g/l): DIN EN ISO 9562 or • AOX (chloride content > 5 g/l): DIN 38409-22 • Biological oxygen demand (BOD): DIN EN 1899 • Sulfide: DIN 38405-27 or ISO 10530 • Chromium: ISO 9174 or DIN EN 1233 or EN ISO 11885 • Ammonia nitrogen: DIN EN ISO 11732 • Toxicity to fish eggs: DIN EN ISO 15088. In addition, the applicant shall submit a declaration stating that the discharge values of the wastewater treatment plant are checked at least every six months (Annex 1). If the wastewater is discharged into municipal or central wastewater treatment plants (indirect discharge) the applicant shall additionally submit the permit (if discharged to municipal wastewater treatment plants) or the contract terms (if discharged to central wastewater treatment plants) verifying that discharge is permitted and the municipal wastewater treatment plant meets at least the requirements of Directive 91/271/EEC. If semi-finished products are processed (e.g. wet blue) all compliance verifications shall be additionally submitted by the pre-supplier too (Annex 2).

Referenzdokumente:

3.3 Requirements for the Leather Manufacturing Process ................................................ 7 3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment ............................................................. 8

Excerpt from standard:

3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment Wastewater from leather production processes shall not exceed the following limits for direct discharge into a water body: • COD of 200 mg/l or at least a 95% reduction compared with the monthly average inflow • 10 mg/l of ammonia nitrogen • 0.5 mg/l of AOX • value of 2 for toxicity to fish eggs (GEi) • BOD < 25 mg/l • 2 mg/l of sulfide in the sulfide-containing sub-stream (wastewater from soaking, liming and deliming processes, each including rinsing) and • 1 mg/l of total chromium in the chromium-containing sub-stream (wastewater from tanning, including samming, as well as from post-tanning operations. Wastewater from leather production processes shall not exceed the following limits for indirect discharge (prior to the discharge into a municipal or central wastewater treatment plant): • 2 mg/l of sulfide in the sulfide-containing sub-stream (wastewater from soaking, liming and deliming processes, each including rinsing) and • 1 mg/l of chromium altogether in the chromium-containing sub-stream (wastewater from tanning, including samming, as well as from post-tanning operations). Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with the requirements and submit a confirmation by the supervising authority to verify compliance with the requirements in Annex 1. Also, the applicant shall present test reports in accordance with Appendix B5 to the German Wastewater Ordinance or equivalent international test reports. The concentration measurement of sulfide and chromium can be made in the full stream before discharge into a body of water (direct discharge) or into a municipal or central wastewater treatment plant (indirect discharge). If so, the applicant shall report the mixing ratio of the sub-streams in order to allow a back calculation. A retrograde calculation taking into account the degradation rate of the sewage treatment plant in accordance with Appendix D shall also be admissible. The following test methods shall be used: • Chemical oxygen demand (COD): ISO 6060 or DIN 38409-41 or DIN-ISO 15705 • AOX (chloride content < 5 g/l): DIN EN ISO 9562 or • AOX (chloride content > 5 g/l): DIN 38409-22 • Biological oxygen demand (BOD): DIN EN 1899 • Sulfide: DIN 38405-27 or ISO 10530 • Chromium: ISO 9174 or DIN EN 1233 or EN ISO 11885 • Ammonia nitrogen: DIN EN ISO 11732 • Toxicity to fish eggs: DIN EN ISO 15088. In addition, the applicant shall submit a declaration stating that the discharge values of the wastewater treatment plant are checked at least every six months (Annex 1). If the wastewater is discharged into municipal or central wastewater treatment plants (indirect discharge) the applicant shall additionally submit the permit (if discharged to municipal wastewater treatment plants) or the contract terms (if discharged to central wastewater treatment plants) verifying that discharge is permitted and the municipal wastewater treatment plant meets at least the requirements of Directive 91/271/EEC. If semi-finished products are processed (e.g. wet blue) all compliance verifications shall be additionally submitted by the pre-supplier too (Annex 2).

Referenzdokumente:

3.3 Requirements for the Leather Manufacturing Process ................................................ 7 3.3.2 Requirements for Wastewater Treatment ............................................................. 8

Excerpt from standard:

3.9 Packaging Plastics used in packaging shall not contain any halogenated polymers. If the leather is packed in paperboard these cardboard containers shall be made of 80 percent recycled materials. The goods shall be packed so as to allow the outgassing of volatile substances. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with this requirement in Annex 1 and, where applicable, present a sample of the product packaging (photo) to RAL gGmbH.

Referenzdokumente:

3.9 Packaging .......................................................................................................... 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.2 Origin of raw hides Protocol of the Leather Working Group and EC Regulation 853 / 2004. "Abweichend von Ziffer 3.4 (allgemeine stoffliche Anforderungen) gilt für Konservierungsstoffe der Anhang 1 zur RAL-UZ148 (Ausgabe März 2015). Eine chemische Konservierung für den Transport und die Lagerung der Rohhäute sowie der gegerbten Zwischenprodukte (wet blue, wet white) ist soweit wie möglich zu vermeiden. Anhang 1 zur Vergabegrundlage RAL-UZ148 für Leder 1. Konservierung 1.1.Zulässige biozide Wirkstoffe Folgende biozide Wirkstoffe sind als Lagerungs- und Transportschutz der Rohhäute sowie der gegerbten Zwischenprodukte (wet blue, wet white) nach der RAL-UZ148 erlaubt. Die in der Tabelle genannten Höchstwerte sind dabei im Endprodukt Leder einzuhalten."

Referenzdokumente:

3.2 Origin of raw hides Protocol of the Leather Working Group and EC Regulation 853 / 2004. 3.5 Leder 3.5.1 Konservierungsmittel Anhang 1"

Excerpt from standard:

3.2 Origin of Raw Hides and Skins Raw hides and skins shall be obtained from farm animals (i.e. cattle, calve, goat, sheep, pig)1 which are primarily kept for milk and/or meat production. Endangered species shall be explicitly excluded. In addition, attention shall be paid to an ethical origin and aspects of animal protection in accordance with Protocol 6.0 of the Leather Working Group2. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with the requirement in Annex 1 and submit a corresponding declaration stating that no hides and skins of wildlife and endangered species are used and that a verification procedure with respect to the raw material used is performed following Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.

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3.2 Origin of Raw Hides and Skins ............................................................................... 7

Excerpt from standard:

1.2 Background Leather production is a complex and complicated finishing process. A skin or hide must pass through roughly 40 processing stages until the organic raw material has been processed into the natural product leather (VDL#). Processing of leather involves the use of numerous chemicals that might have an impact on environment and health. The production of leather entails emissions of substances to air, water or land.

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1.2 Background ......................................................................................................... 5

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 2 – Circulation, promotion and implementation The implementation refers to the activities necessary to the application of the Code at all levels. (...) 2.4 COTANCE and the ETUF:TCL will call on their member organisations to integrate the code as a pre-requisite in all contracts with their sub-contractors and their suppliers. COTANCE and the ETUF:TCL will thus encourage the companies to make sure that the code is understood by their sub-contractors/suppliers and their respective workers.

Referenzdokumente:

3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 1 - Content of the Code of Conduct COTANCE and ETUF:TCL call on their members to actively encourage companies and workers of the European leather and tanning sector to respect and to include, directly or indirectly (including sub-contracting) in their possible codes of conduct in all countries, world-wide, in which they operate the following ILO conventions: 1.3 Freedom of association & right to collective bargaining (Conventions 87 & 98) Workers and employees have the right to form or join a trade union of their choosing. Workers' rights to form trade unions, to join them and to negotiate collectively is recognised. Workers’ representatives will not be subject to discrimination and will have access to all work places if such access is necessary for allowing them to perform their functions of representation (Convention 135 & Immediate 143 of ILO).

Referenzdokumente:

3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 1 - Content of the Code of Conduct COTANCE and ETUF:TCL call on their members to actively encourage companies and workers of the European leather and tanning sector to respect and to include, directly or indirectly (including sub-contracting) in their possible codes of conduct in all countries, world-wide, in which they operate the following ILO conventions: 1.3 Freedom of association & right to collective bargaining (Conventions 87 & 98) Workers and employees have the right to form or join a trade union of their choosing. Workers' rights to form trade unions, to join them and to negotiate collectively is recognised. Workers’ representatives will not be subject to discrimination and will have access to all work places if such access is necessary for allowing them to perform their functions of representation (Convention 135 & Immediate 143 of ILO).

Referenzdokumente:

3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 1 - Content of the Code of Conduct COTANCE and ETUF:TCL call on their members to actively encourage companies and workers of the European leather and tanning sector to respect and to include, directly or indirectly (including sub-contracting) in their possible codes of conduct in all countries, world-wide, in which they operate the following ILO conventions: 1.1 Ban on Forced Labour (Convention 29 & 105) Forced Labour, slave labour or obligatory labour are banned. The workers will not have to give their employers a financial guarantee or their identity papers.

Referenzdokumente:

3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 1 - Content of the Code of Conduct COTANCE and ETUF:TCL call on their members to actively encourage companies and workers of the European leather and tanning sector to respect and to include, directly or indirectly (including sub-contracting) in their possible codes of conduct in all countries, world-wide, in which they operate the following ILO conventions: (...) 1.2 Ban on Child Labour (Convention 138 & 182) Child labour is forbidden. Only workers aged 15 or more or older than the compulsory school age in the countries concerned are permitted to work. It should be guaranteed to provide measures with a view to help the concerned children by offering schooling possibilities and transitional financial help.

Referenzdokumente:

3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 1 - Content of the Code of Conduct COTANCE and ETUF:TCL call on their members to actively encourage companies and workers of the European leather and tanning sector to respect and to include, directly or indirectly (including sub-contracting) in their possible codes of conduct in all countries, world-wide, in which they operate the following ILO conventions: (...) 1.2 Ban on Child Labour (Convention 138 & 182) Child labour is forbidden. Only workers aged 15 or more or older than the compulsory school age in the countries concerned are permitted to work. It should be guaranteed to provide measures with a view to help the concerned children by offering schooling possibilities and transitional financial help.

Referenzdokumente:

3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 1 - Content of the Code of Conduct COTANCE and ETUF:TCL call on their members to actively encourage companies and workers of the European leather and tanning sector to respect and to include, directly or indirectly (including sub-contracting) in their possible codes of conduct in all countries, world-wide, in which they operate the following ILO conventions: (...) 1.4 Non-discrimination of employment (Convention 100 & 111) The equality of opportunities and treatment will be applied to workers whatever their race, their colour, their sex, their religion, their political opinion, their nationality, their social origin or any other distinctive characteristic.

Referenzdokumente:

3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15

Excerpt from standard:

3.8 Social Standards The applicant undertakes to comply with the Code of Conduct for the Leather Industry. Article 1 - Content of the Code of Conduct (…) The signatories of the present code call on their members to also respect and include in their possible codes of conduct, the following clauses. 1.6 Decent working conditions The workers will benefit from a safe and clean working environment and the best professional practices will be applied with regard to health and safety, having regard to the operating knowledge in the industry and to all specified risks. Any type of physical abuse is strictly forbidden, as well as threat, punitive practice or exceptional disciplinary practice, sexual or other harassment as well as any act of intimidation from the employer.

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3.8 Social Standards ................................................................................................ 15