On 24 September 2025, during the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) workshop organised by Lineapelle & UNIC - Concerie Italiane, UNIC (COTANCE member) unveiled Hides Eco Track: a new cloud-based tool to help tanners and the bovine leather supply chain achieve EUDR compliance. 

While the leather industry welcomed with relief the Commission’s announcement of the one-year EUDR postponement, the regulatory "spade of Damocles" still remains until it is effectively enacted.

Four pilot tanneries will start testing Hides Eco Track in October 2025, with full launch set for December 2025.

In addition, ICEC introduced its upgraded certification system to ensure traceability and compliance for bovine hides within the EUDR framework.

COTANCE Secretary-General Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano also updated participants on the legal state of play of the EUDR postponement and on what to likely expect from the EU institutions.

The seminar confirmed the industry’s position regarding its irrelevant role in driving deforestation, but also its proactive stance and commitment to transparency & sustainability. Initiatives like Hides Eco Track and ICEC traceability certification represent significant steps in this direction