The Indian leather industry stands as a testament to the nation’s rich heritage and craftsmanship, contributing significantly to the economy through exports. Central to this success is the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), established in 1984 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. CLE has been instrumental in developing infrastructure and support systems to bolster the leather export sector, ensuring India’s prominence in the global market.

Infrastructure Projects by CLE

1. Integrated Leather Parks: To streamline production and enhance quality, CLE has promoted the establishment of integrated leather parks. These parks offer state-of-the-art facilities, including common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), design centers, and testing laboratories. A notable example is the Kolkata Leather Complex, spanning approximately 4.5 square kilometers, housing around 500 tanneries, and contributing to about 22-25% of India’s tanning activities.(Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

2. Mega Leather Clusters (MLCs): Under the Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP) 2021-26, CLE has facilitated the creation of MLCs to attract investment and boost production. These clusters provide modern infrastructure, including CETPs, warehouses, and training centers, aiming to generate employment and increase exports.

3. Common Facility Centers (CFCs): To support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), CLE has established CFCs equipped with advanced machinery and technology. These centers enable SMEs to access resources that would be otherwise unaffordable, enhancing their production capabilities and product quality.

Support Systems Established by CLE

1. Market Development Initiatives: CLE organizes participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and reverse buyer-seller meets to promote Indian leather products globally. These initiatives have opened new markets and strengthened existing ones, contributing to a 32% increase in exports, reaching US$ 4.87 billion in 2021-22.

2. Skill Development Programs: Recognizing the importance of skilled labor, CLE conducts training programs in collaboration with institutions like the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI). These programs focus on design innovation, quality control, and modern manufacturing techniques, ensuring the workforce remains competitive.

3. Policy Advocacy: CLE serves as a bridge between the industry and the government, representing exporters’ interests and facilitating policy reforms. A recent achievement includes the proposal to remove the 20% export duty on crust leather and the 10% import duty on wet blue leather, strengthening the tanning industry and promoting value-added exports.

4. Sustainability Initiatives: With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, CLE has implemented measures to promote sustainable practices. This includes the adoption of eco-friendly tanning processes, waste management systems, and the development of guidelines for sustainable production.

Facts and Figures

• Export Growth: The export of leather, leather products, and footwear for the period April-August 2022 touched US$ 2,377.34 million, recording a growth of 29.81% compared to the same period in the previous year.

• Major Markets: The USA is the largest importer of Indian leather products, accounting for 25.19% of total exports during April-August 2022. Germany and the UK follow, with shares of 10.86% and 9.71%, respectively.

• Employment Generation: The leather sector is a significant employment generator, with the proposed schemes under the IFLDP 2021-26 expected to facilitate employment for 22 lakh people, generate a turnover of Rs 4 lakh crore, and exports of over Rs 1.1 lakh crore.

Altus Exports: Partnering with Indian Manufacturers

As a premier merchant exporter, Altus Exports is dedicated to bringing India’s vibrant essence to the world. We specialize in delivering the best of India’s textiles, handicrafts, chemicals, and food products, ensuring quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.(altusexports.com)

Indian leather manufacturers seeking to expand their global footprint can partner with Altus Exports to leverage our extensive network and expertise in international trade. Our commitment to quality assurance, customer-centric approach, and sustainable practices make us an ideal partner for manufacturers aiming to reach new markets.

To explore partnership opportunities, manufacturers can visit our dedicated partnership page at https://altusexports.com/manufacturer-partnership/. Here, you can learn more about how we can collaborate to bring your products to the global stage.

CLE’s Efforts in Brand Building for Indian Leather Products

Technological Upgradation Initiatives by CLE

CLE’s Advocacy for Policy Reforms in the Leather Sector

Success Stories: Exporters Benefiting from CLE Programs

CLE’s Role in Sustainable Leather Production

Infrastructure Support for Leather Exporters

Skill Development Programs by CLE

Navigating Export Policies with CLE’s Guidance

Membership Benefits of the Council for Leather Exports

Market Expansion Initiatives by CLE