New anti-water pollution standard could close 45% of existing tanneries in China.

China’s first anti-water pollution standard GB30486-2013 aimed specifically at the leather industry came into force on March 1. 2014

The new standard enforces a strict emission limit on waste water chemicals including Ammonia and Chromium as well as total chemical oxygen demands (COD).

Tanning operations in China will need to invest an estimated total of US$300 million into waste water treatment and recycling plants to comply. Smaller tanneries who can not afford to upgrade may have to close.

Here is a copy of the China Anti-water pollution standard.

http://kjs.mep.gov.cn/hjbhbz/bzwb/shjbh/swrwpfbz/201312/W020131231371216654623.pdf

http://leatherbiz.com/fullitem.aspx?id=133485

http://www.leathermag.com/news/newschina-setting-new-emission-limits-4184114

http://www.fashionnetasia.com/en/IndustryNews/BusinessResources/Detail.html?id=6455