GMP for Leather and Leather Products

The East Africa Community (EAC) region currently has 3 percent of the world total bovine herd, 5 percent of the goat herd and 2 percent of the sheep herd: a good resource base for the production of hides and skins and for the development of a globally competitive leather and leather products industry. Regrettably, the region has mainly succeeded in developing primary processing for hides and skins up to wet blue leather, which is considered a raw product in international trade; and in rare cases finished leather. One of the challenges hampering the development of the leather value chain is the low quality of hides and skins and eventually leather products.

Despite the requirement to follow GMP standards for leather processing, not all actively producing these products comply with international standards and not all regulators understand international best practises when it comes to regulation of these products. In addition, the Leather Industries Associations are advocating for the development of leather industry skills, given the significant improvements in the livestock industry. Given the importance of the leather sector to the EAC region and its potential to improve livelihoods across the region this online human capacity development course introduces Good Manufacturing Practices Leather and Leather Products. The Course participants will learn about GMP requirements, including procedural, organizational and infrastructural aspects, as well as buyer requirements and the GMP inspection process. They will be able to critically analyse and implement basic GMP requirements in their daily working routine in the manufacturing and regulatory environment. The course will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills for production and regulation leather and leather products in line with national and international standards.