What a Non-Leather Bag Listing Should Say

If all or part of a product is made of a non-leather material that appears to be leather, the Guides say the fact that it is not leather, or its general nature as something other than leather, should be disclosed. The examples given are: Not leather; Imitation leather; Simulated leather; Vinyl; Vinyl coated fabric; and Plastic.

What the text says

• Section 24.2(a) deals with imitation or simulated leather.
• It applies if all or part of a product is made of non-leather material that appears to be leather.
• The disclosure examples are: Not leather; Imitation leather; Simulated leather; Vinyl; Vinyl coated fabric; or Plastic.
• A trade name, trademark or other term should not be used if it misrepresents that a product or material is made from animal skin or hide.
• Disclosures should be on a stamp, tag, label or card on the product, and in advertising where a statement would otherwise suggest leather.

What this means when you shop

1. Look for a named material on the label and in the listing.
2. If a listing uses marketing terms only, ask what the surface is.
3. Compare price with the material.
4. Keep the listing details for your records.

An example of clear wording

A listing that says “polyurethane-coated fabric with a grained finish” tells you more than one that says “premium material”. The first lets you compare bags and choose the care method. The second leaves you to guess. If a listing uses words you do not know, ask what the base material is and how the surface is made.

Where this answer stops

The Guides’ examples are not an exhaustive list of acceptable words, and this article does not say whether a particular marketing term complies. It is not legal advice.