Q & A

• To what extent is LEATHER STANDARD a modular system?

  The concept of the OEKO-TEX® tests for harmful substances is based on a modular system. This means that certification is available for every stage of leather production, and that certificates from prior stages are recognized. A successful test therefore entitles you to mark the leather products in question with the LEATHER STANDARD label once the certification is attained.

• Is a company quality assurance system mandatory for applicants?

  Yes. Product certification in accordance with the LEATHER STANDARD can be achieved only by establishing a suitable quality assurance system in the company to ensure product conformity. Likewise, the QM system must be recognized by Hohenstein.

• How is product conformity ensured after the LEATHER STANDARD certificate is issued?

  On the one hand, the certificate holder must ensure product conformity. This is done on a daily basis through the internal company quality controls that were agreed in the conformity declaration. On the other, Hohenstein, as the OEKO-TEX® test institute, carries out control tests each year on at least 25% of all the issued certificates. To do so, products from previous stages are tested based on samples from current certification processes. Furthermore, random samples of OEKO-TEX® certified products that are available on the market are purchased and tested again in the laboratory. In addition, independent auditors commissioned by OEKO-TEX conduct unannounced site inspections to assess on-site quality assurance in the facilities.

• Why are some of the limit values that apply to the LEATHER STANDARD different to the limit values in the testing of textiles for harmful substances in accordance with STANDARD 100?

  Due to the properties of leather, the different associated production processes and the chemicals used, different limit values to those that apply to textiles are sometimes required.

• Does the LEATHER STANDARD also cover animal and species conservation?

  By signing the application, the applicant commits to and is solely responsible for complying with all the animal and species conservation legislation that is relevant to them. The OEKO-TEX® Association and Hohenstein as one of its member institutes do not accept any liability in this regard.

• When are ready-made textile products permitted to be labeled with the LEATHER STANDARD label?

  A ready-made product can be labeled only if all its components, without exception, meet the necessary test criteria – that is, in addition to the leather, any textile fabrics, sewing threads, inserts, prints, labels, and so on, that the product includes and any non-textile accessories such as metal buttons, zip fasteners and rivets. The relevant conditions and criteria for the materials in question apply. In addition, a separate certificate has to be issued for ready-made products. Having OEKO-TEX® certificates for the starting materials and components used alone is not sufficient.

• What should be taken into consideration when selecting the test samples?

  The test samples selected must cover the entire product group to be certified in accordance with the LEATHER STANDARD. Such a representative selection forms the basis for the article description on the certificate. An incomplete sample selection may lead to a restriction of the certified article group.

• What are the general considerations to be noted when using the LEATHER STANDARD label for advertising purposes?

  Since the LEATHER STANDARD label is a protected trademark, all companies that want to use the label to highlight the certified textiles in their products and for other marketing activities must comply with the applicable provisions for using the label. Forgery and misuse of the trademark will be prosecuted under criminal and civil law. Furthermore, they may cause the underlying LEATHER STANDARD certificate to be revoked. A LEATHER STANDARD label is only valid if a test number that was actually issued and the responsible testing institute are shown on it. These details must also correspond to the company’s own certificate.

• What specific issues do retailers need to note when using the LEATHER STANDARD label?

  A LEATHER STANDARD label applied to a product alone is not sufficient as proof of successful testing for harmful substances. While purchasing product lines or findings, you should therefore always insist that the supplier submits a valid OEKO-TEX® certificate. The details on the LEATHER STANDARD test label (test number and test institution) must correspond to those of the supplied certificate. Products that are not listed on the certificate must not be marked with the label.