The ban on sale of cattle for slaughter has cast a shadow on the leather industry, triggering concerns among importers and exporters with leading global brands enquiring about its likely ramifications.
Rajiv Bhatia, managing director of city-based leading leather product exporter D2 International, told PTI that many global importers were making enquires about the ban.
"It has turned out to be a big worry for importers. I have received calls and enquries from importers, including the UK's major handbag brand Radley and US fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger," Bhatia said.
It is getting difficult, he says, to allay their worries about the future of import despite being aware of the Madras High Court's stay order on the execution of the central notification regarding the ban.
Despite long-standing association with the importers, they are "politely warning" us about shifting orders to neighbouring countries, he said.
"The timing of the ban has created more trouble. Till November, it is crucial for the leather industry. Orders are placed for Christmas and New Year," Bhatia said.
CLC Tanners Association president Ramesh Juneja said that though the state had a stock of hide to last for two months and there was support from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, panic has gripped importers.
The officials warned that the situation might get worse if something positive did not emerge soon.
The leather exporters are demanding at least buffaloes to be made exempt from the banned animals list.
Buffalo hide constitutes over 50 per cent of the hide requirement of the leather industry.
Bengal leather exporters are particularly worried as cowhide constitutes a major chunk in the Rs 7,000-crore export market giving employment to some five lakh workers.
Nationally, leather and leather product exports are valued at Rs 35,000 crore in 2016-17 and the industry provides employment to 35 lakh people.
Bhatia said that premium leather products are made of cowhide as they are softer compared to buffalo's.
Juneja pointed out that cowhide made up almost 75 per cent of the state's leather export.
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