ICHSLTA represents the interests of the hide, skins and leather trades of more than 30 countries. It is the only international body of its kind. Founded in 1929 as a non-political organisation, its principal objective is the promotion, development and protection of the international trade in raw hides, skins and leathers. The Council provides assistance to its members in arbitration matters. Hide and skin improvement and careful consideration of environmental issues are areas of vital concern to the Council. The Council sets out guidelines and gives advice on production, grading and marketing to improve reliability and understanding throughout the world.
In these directions, the Council acts both independently and in conjunction with national trade associations and other internationally recognised bodies. The Council meetings provide a forum for discussions on the trade and related interests so that individual members can be made aware of those events and trends in world trade which affect the leather industry. Finally, membership of the Council is seen as enhancing a member’s credibility and commercial status internationally.