ALLPI Discussing on Technical Needs for Robust Hides, Skins Traceability & Certification System in Africa

Addis Ababa: The Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) is holding its Pre-piloting technical meeting in Ethiopia aimed at refining the hides and skins traceability and eco-certification system implementation. This significant meeting that attracted representatives from 14 countries afrom the continent is taking place on October 21-22, 2024, in Bishoftu town of Oromia region. The meeting is organized by the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) to discuss the regional technical needs for a robust hides and skins traceability and certification system, which is crucial for enhancing transparency and sustainability in the leather industry. Hides and skins traceability and eco-certification system implementation is an activity under RECAMP program that was assigned to Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute in 2020 by COMESA secretariat. The objective of the intervention is to develop a system for identifying the source of hides and skins by stamping a permanent code on h ides or skins and how to assist enterprises in target member states to prepare themselves for certification process. A Hides and Skins Traceability System is a process or technology used to track and document the journey of hides and skins from the source (such as livestock) to the final leather product. This system enables stakeholders across the leather value chain, including farmers, tanneries, and manufacturers, to monitor and verify the origins, quality, and processing of hides and skins. The key components of the Hides and Skins Traceability System include identification at source, data collection points, database management and certification. Source: Ethiopian News Agency