The publication by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), “Making private standards work for you: A guide to private standards in the garments, footwear and furniture sectors”, outlines a strategic approach for suppliers in developing countries. Private standards, also known as business values, norms, ethics, codes, principles or morals, are considered to be one of the ways of promoting social development and environmental sustainability in global value chains. Some estimates suggest that more than 1,000 codes of conduct and management systems exist. But most companies in developing countries do not have much tangible information. The guidebook was funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and developed in collaboration with the Dutch Centre for Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI). The guidebook is available in English, French and Spanish, and can be downloaded here: www.unido.org/privatestandards

Industrial sectors, especially the leather-based industry subsector in many developing countries and in former centrally planned economy countries (countries in transition), often suffer from unrecognized common interests among competing entrepreneurs. In these countries joining hands, lobbying together against governments tending to take too quick (legislative) action without foreseeing problems which might later arise in the industry, combining efforts in export promotion and retaining raw material (hides and skins) resources are of prime importance. Formulating and/or strengthening respective trade association is one of the most efficient (and fairly inexpensive) ways of tackling these problems. Recognizing the importance of professional associations and the lack of available information on this subject, UNIDO decided to conduct a survey revealing the main functions, modus operandi, managing and financing of trade associations in the leather, footwear and other products industries worldwide. The major objective of the study is not to present a model to be followed, but rather to show good practices which lead to more-or-less stable legal and economic conditions for leather-related manufacturing businesses. This paper presents problems of existing trade associations, lessons learned, possible ways of operation and relations with local and international authorities. Each chapter is followed with a list of best practices which can orient those involved in creating or operating national, regional or even international associations in the leather-based industries. The executive summary consists of a brief introduction which is followed by a full list of the best practices that have been identified. There are some recommendations offered for new and existing associations which may be considered when management decisions are made regarding future activities.