With Chinese shoe makers already dealing with EU anti-dumping measures, Germany is mulling a new regulation that would outlaw the chemical Chromium VI in leather products.

Chen Zhanguang, deputy secretary-general of the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), told the National Business Daily on Wednesday that the CLIA, the Standardization Administration of China, and the China Leather & Footwear Industry Research Institute have drafted a memorandum opposing the measure. The Chinese government is expected to formally submit it to Germany.

The new regulation would outlaw Chromium VI in bags, backpacks, textile products, watch straps, shoes and toys. If approved as expected, the regulations will come into effect later this year.

Chen said that while Germany has no leather industry, it leads the world in chemical technology, and is usually the first to propose limits on chemicals in leather. Chrome is used in the tanning process to leather products softer, more durable, and more resistant to damp and heat.

Some EU members including Italy oppose the new regulation, saying it will pose technical problems for the leather industry and will seriously affect trade.

China's business press carried the story above on Thursday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

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