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Courtesy ... Editors Desk

A Seminar on updating of CE Requirements and New Regulations in Europe jointly organised by Indian Leather Products Association, SGS Limited, Indian Leather Chemicals Promotion Association and Indotan Chemicals Limited was held on March 16, 2006 at Hotel Golden Park, Kolkata.

The Seminar reviewed and updated on the current status of CE norms and new regulations related to Leather Gloves and PPE products and emphasise for adherence to CE norms for Indian leather products manufacturers to survive in the European Market. It was observed that 50% of Indian leather and leather products go to European markets and there has not been much change in the scenario during the past 10 years. If business of this magnitude is lost simply for non-compliance of European norms and regulations, it will take a heavy toll to our national economy. The audience of over 130 people, 60% tanners, 15% gloves exporters, 15% Chemical manufacturers/suppliers and 10% others found the deliberations of good value. A lot of individual interactions took place there.

Mr. D. Wiserecker, Stiema ArbeitsschutZ GmbH and Vice-President of the Gloves Importers' Association, Germany, came over to Kolkata to deliver the Key Note address and updated the participants of the impact on the new CE norms and its requirements in a very lucid talk supported by well documented data.

Mr. Mark Daws, Certifying Chief of SGS, U.K. addressing the participants explained how the testing systems were being synchronized and elaborate on the needs. Apart from Industrial Leather Gloves, the small leather goods too were now slowly but surely required to adhere CE norms. Already heavy metal content in leather PU/PVC was being checked for cadmium and formaldehyde contents. He advised the Indian leather industry to be prepared to respond to the need.

The Seminar was followed by Question-Answer Session by a Panel of experts.