Importing leather into the United States involves several regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with safety, labeling, and environmental standards. Here are some key points to consider:
Labeling Requirements: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has specific guidelines for leather products to prevent misrepresentation. These guidelines require clear disclosure if a product is not made of genuine leather1.
California Proposition 65: This regulation mandates that products, including leather goods, must not contain harmful levels of certain chemicals like lead, cadmium, and phthalates. If they do, they must carry a warning label2.
Children’s Products: The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) applies to all children’s products, including those made of leather. This act requires third-party lab testing to ensure safety standards are met2.
Wildlife Regulations: If the leather is sourced from exotic or protected species, an import license from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is required. This is to ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws3.
General Import Restrictions: Certain types of leather, such as those from endangered species, are banned from importation. Additionally, the origin of the leather can affect its eligibility for import4.
If you have specific questions about a particular type of leather or product, feel free to ask!