Why your leather Footwear needs to be tested by Cotecna for the Middle East market
In the Middle East’s demanding industrial sectors such as oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing safety footwear is more than just a requirement; it’s a lifeline. With harsh environments, slippery surfaces, and high safety expectations, the quality of materials especially leather used in safety shoes plays a critical role in protecting workers.
Leather products are also covered under various Gulf Countries Verification of Conformity programs (VOC) which Cotecna is authorised to Certify, such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Whether you are importing or exporting to the middle east your leather products will need to be mandatorily tested, inspected and certified before entry into such Gulf Countries.
That’s where Cotecna CPS steps in. Cotecna CPS (Consumer Product Services). is a division of Cotecna, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services. Cotecna CPS specializes in ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of consumer products across global supply chains.
The Role of Leather in Safety Footwear
Leather is a preferred material in safety footwear due to its durability, breathability, and resistance to wear. However, not all leather is created equal. Poor-quality leather can compromise the structural integrity, comfort, and most importantly slip resistance of safety shoes.
In the Middle East, where workplace conditions often involve wet, oily, or abrasive surfaces, ensuring that leather components meet international standards is essential.
Cotecna: Accredited Slip Resistance & Leather Testing
Cotecna CPS offers ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing services, including slip resistance testing in line with EN ISO 20345, the European standard recognized across the UAE, GCC, and international markets.
Key Testing Standards:
- SATRA TM144: Evaluates friction on wet and dry surfaces.
- EN ISO 13287: Tests slip resistance on ceramic and steel surfaces with contaminants.
- EN ISO 20344: Measures the friction coefficient of footwear soles—critical for leather-soled or leather-lined safety shoes.
Why Leather Testing Matters for GCC VoC Programs
- Worker Safety: Prevents slips, trips, and falls in high-risk environments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures products meet GCC VoC requirements and international safety standards.
- Brand Protection: Avoids costly recalls, penalties, and reputational damage.
- Product Performance: Ensures durability and comfort in extreme climates.
How Cotecna Supports You
With state-of-the-art labs in Dubai and India, for example Wimpey Lab, Cotecna provides end to end support from testing to VOC:
- Laboratory Testing: Controlled, repeatable assessments of leather and footwear.
- Field Testing: Real-world evaluations tailored to Middle Eastern conditions.
- Detailed Reporting: Clear, actionable insights to improve product quality.
- End-to-End Support: From testing to Verification of Conformity (VoC) for exports to GCC countries like Saudi Arabia.
Why Choose Cotecna in the Middle East?
- GAC-Accredited (ISO/IEC 17025)
- Deep Regional Expertise
- Global Testing Network
- Advanced Equipment & Methodologies
- One-Stop-Shop for CBCA & VoC Services
To find out more about Cotecna in the middle east visit our dedicated Middle East website or contact us.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.