A high-profile delegation representing Italy’s leather importers and certification bodies recently visited Brazil to explore the country’s leather production. By ILM.

Hosted by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), the delegation included representatives from UNIC (then Italian tanners’ association) and ICEC (Italian Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector).

The initiative, backed by the Brazilian Leather project – a partnership between CICB and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) – focused on how Brazilian leather production aligns with international sustainability and compliance standards, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The visit began in São Paulo, where major Brazilian leather companies presented technologies, compliance processes and raw material control systems. Ricardo Andrade, CICB’s sustainability lead, described the session as “a very positive and educational moment”, highlighting Brazil’s commitment to meeting global sustainability requirements.

Following the presentations, the delegation embarked on a series of field visits to observe Brazil’s leather production processes firsthand. They toured tanneries, slaughterhouses and farms in Xinguara (Pará), Jales (São Paulo) and Lins (São Paulo). Companies including Coming, Durli Couros, Fuga Couros, Grupo Viva, JBS Couros and Minerva Leather opened their facilities for the visitors.

For Rogério Cunha, CICB’s trade intelligence representative, the visit was a crucial step in reinforcing commercial ties between Italy and Brazil. “It was an important moment to experience firsthand what we do and the high level of expertise and technology in our industry. Italy is a major and excellent leather partner, which is now even closer to our work through this visit,” he said.