China Issues GB 20400-2026 for Leather and Fur Products

SG 095/26

China updates mandatory standard for leather and fur products with publication of GB 20400-2026, effective April 1, 2027.

China has published National Standard GB 20400-2026, Safety Technical Specification for Leather and Fur Products. Issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) on March 31, 2026, the mandatory standard will take effect on April 1, 2027, replacing GB 20400-2006, Limit of Harmful Substances for Leather and Fur.

What does the standard require?

This document applies to the accessible leather and fur parts of daily-use leather and fur products and related articles. It also applies to the recycled leather parts of recycled leather products and their finished articles. The standard does not apply to leather, fur and recycled leather products intended for special industrial use and their finished articles. For the detailed list of applicable products and articles, please refer to Appendix A of the standard.

The standard includes requirements for:

• Carcinogenic aromatic amine dyes
• Formaldehyde
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))
• Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)
• Chlorinated phenols
• Phthalate plasticizers
• Total heavy metals (lead, cadmium)
• Dimethyl fumarate (DMFu)

Compared with GB 20400-2006, the main technical changes include:

Revisions:

1. Standard title
2. Scope of application of the standard
3. Age definition of infants in the term ‘infant leather and fur products’
4. Expression of ‘conformity judgment’

Additions:

1. Terms and definitions of ‘accessible’ and ‘recycled leather’
2. Provisions on corresponding safety technical categories for different product types
3. Limit requirements and corresponding test methods for hexavalent chromium, short-chain chlorinated paraffins, chlorinated phenols, phthalate plasticizers, total heavy metals and dimethyl fumarate
4. Calculation rules for each index result, and provisions on dispute handling and arbitration inspection
5. Requirements for sample preparation and conditioning
6. Relevant provisions on ‘labeling’
7. Transition rules for implementation
8. Appendix listing products and articles covered by the standard
9. Limit requirement for 4-aminoazobenzene in carcinogenic aromatic amine dyes
10. Appendix containing a list of restricted chlorinated phenols
11. Appendix containing a list of restricted phthalate plasticizers

Deletions:

1. Description of formaldehyde limit for Category C white sheep sheared fur products
2. Requirements for type inspection, sampling quantity and test report

Who is impacted?

The standard impacts manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other stakeholders throughout the supply chain for leather, fur and recycled leather products in China.

When does it apply?

GB 20400-2026 will take effect on April 1, 2027.

For products manufactured or imported before the effective date, a transition period is provided. The requirements of the standard will apply starting from the 19th month after its formal implementation date.

Further information

Please refer to the official Chinese text of GB 20400-2026, Safety Technical Specification for Leather and Fur Products, or contact us for further information.