A ban on the export of raw animal hides has been reimposed in the Philippines as part of efforts to protect the country’s tanning industry and ensure an adequate supply of raw materials amidst global shortages. The six-month ban was enforced on March 1, 2002, and covers cow, caribou, goat, sheep and other ruminants.
The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that the global supply of hides had already started to normalise after the shock of the BSE and foot and mouth outbreaks in Europe. The department said that the ban would give tanneries the chance to start exporting processed hides not needed by local manufacturers of footwear and other leathergoods.
