ICT is the membership organisation of the world’s leather trade associations. It meets regularly to discuss relevant topics affecting or influencing the global leather industry. Not all trade associations are members – but most of the major ones are.

The main aims and objectives of ICT therefore can be summarised as:

1. To provide a forum for members to meet and exchange views and information. Including the exchange statistics and market information

2. To provide an interface with international bodies such as:

ICHSLTA – International Council of Hide, Skin & Leather Traders Associations
UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
FAO – Food and Agriculture of the United Nations
UNEP – United Nations Environmental Programme
ISO – the International Standards Organisation
IULTCS – International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies
COTANCE – Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community

3. To collaborate with ICHSLTA to maintain and develop the International Leather Contracts to promote a fair and ethical basis for trade in the sector

4. Protect and promote leather as a product by providing information, developing the website and producing position papers to counter threats to the industry

5. Support improvements in the supply, treatment and preservation of hides and skins

6. Promote free trade in hides, skins and leather as far as practically possible

7. To undertake, or commission, reviews and research on matters pertaining to the industry and to disseminate the results to members and, where appropriate, more widely

8. To assist members in negotiations with Regulatory Agencies on a national, regional, or global basis as called for, using any appropriate means