Paper presented during the 12th UNIDO Leather and Leather Products panel 1995 provides an overview about the professional training. Conclusion is that, there is no reason for having different training programmes in industrialized and developing countries, so the creation of a uniform syllabus for the leather, footwear and other leather products is not only an opportunity but also a necessity - not to mention the financial rationale (economic scale of printing text books, producing illustration materials and training software).

Total dissolved solids (TDS), specifically chlorides, in effluent are a major concern for its discharge into surface waters and its use for irrigation. Conventional treatment systems do not help reduce TDS in the industrial effluent. Taking advantage of the sunshine available for most part of the year, tanneries in Tamil Nadu, India, were required by the regulatory authority to segregate highly saline effluent (soak and pickle streams)  and evaporate it in solar pans. Due to very dissapointing results of evaporation in solar pans attempts have been made to accelerate the evaporation by simple means like combination of improved warming of the effluent and use of sprinklers. This paper reports on results of these pilot scale tests carried out under UNIDO Regional Programme in India during late 90's.

Paper was prepared based on visits to some major footwear and leather training establishments in Europe and their training systems, methodology and syllabi . Information on professional education and training were collected from several other countries (e.g. Brasil, Hungary, South Africa). Experience gained through previous UNIDO assistance with regards human resource development was also considered. Outline proposals were prepared for discussion by the 13th UNIDO Leather Panel in Bologna in November 1997. A five stage structure was proposed which would allow trainees in any country to progress against known standards to the benefit of their company and themselves.

The Regulation of the European Union (EU) on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, REACH entered into force on 1st June 2007. Its proclaimed aims were to ensure a higher level of protection of human health and the environment as well as free movement of substances, on their own, in preparations and in articles, while enhancing competitiveness and innovation.

This Regulation should also promote the development of alternative methods for the assessment of hazards of substances. REACH was also expected to streamline and improve the former legislative framework on chemicals in order to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, especially by those listed as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) The purpose of this desk study was to give some background information and practical advice to the leather industry so as to maintain or establish business in the EU market.