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16.2.2013 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
45/13
DECISIONS
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
of 11 February 2013
establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions under Directive 2010/75/EU of the
European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions for the tanning of hides and skins
(notified under document C(2013) 618)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2013/84/EU)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
with the best available techniques, associated monitoring,
associated consumption levels and, where appropriate,
relevant site remediation measures.
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union,
(4) In
accordance with Article 14(3) of Directive
Having regard to Directive 2010/75/EU of the European
2010/75/EU, BAT conclusions are to be the reference
Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on
for setting permit conditions for installations covered
industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and
by Chapter II of that Directive.
control) ( 1 ), and in particular Article 13(5) thereof,
Whereas:
(5) Article
15(3)
of
Directive
2010/75/EU
requires
the
competent authority to set emission limit values that
ensure that, under normal operating conditions,
(1) Article
13(1)
of
Directive
2010/75/EU
requires
the
emissions do not exceed the emission levels associated
Commission to organise an exchange of information
with the best available techniques as laid down in the
on industrial emissions between it and Member States,
decisions on BAT conclusions referred to in Article 13(5)
the industries concerned and non-governmental organi
of Directive 2010/75/EU.
sations promoting environmental protection in order to
facilitate the drawing up of best available techniques
(BAT) reference documents as defined in Article 3(11)
of that Directive.
(6) Article
15(4)
of
Directive
2010/75/EU
provides
for
dero
gations from the requirement laid down in Article 15(3)
only where the costs associated with the achievement of
(2) In
accordance with Article 13(2) of Directive
the emission levels associated with the BAT dispropor
2010/75/EU, the exchange of information is to address
tionately outweigh the environmental benefits due to the
the performance of installations and techniques in terms
geographical location, the local environmental conditions
of emissions, expressed as short- and long-term averages,
or the technical characteristics of the installation
where appropriate, and the associated reference
concerned.
conditions, consumption and nature of raw materials,
water consumption, use of energy and generation of
waste and the techniques used, associated monitoring,
cross-media effects, economic and technical viability
(7) Article
16(1)
of
Directive
2010/75/EU
provides
that
the
and developments therein and best available techniques
monitoring requirements in the permit referred to in
and emerging techniques identified after considering the
point (c) of Article 14(1) of the Directive are to be
issues mentioned in points (a) and (b) of Article 13(2) of
based on the conclusions on monitoring as described
that Directive.
in the BAT conclusions.
(3)
‘BAT conclusions’ as defined in Article 3(12) of Directive
2010/75/EU are the key element of BAT reference
(8) In
accordance with Article 21(3) of Directive
documents and lay down the conclusions on best
2010/75/EU, within four years of publication of
available techniques, their description, information to
decisions on BAT conclusions, the competent authority
assess their applicability, the emission levels associated
is to reconsider and, if necessary, update all the permit
conditions and ensure that the installation complies with
( 1 ) OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17.
those permit conditions.

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L 45/14
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
16.2.2013
(9) Commission
Decision
of
16
May
2011
establishing
a HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
forum for the exchange of information pursuant to
Article 13 of Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial
Article 1
emissions ( 1 ) established a forum composed of represen
The BAT conclusions for the tanning of hides and skins are set
tatives of Member States, the industries concerned and
out in the Annex to this Decision.
non-governmental organisations promoting environ
mental protection.
Article 2
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
(10) In accordance with Article 13(4) of Directive
2010/75/EU, the Commission obtained the opinion ( 2 )
of that forum on the proposed content of the BAT
reference document for the tanning of hides and skins
Done at Brussels, 11 February 2013.
on 13 September 2012 and made it publicly available.
For the Commission
(11) The
measures provided for in this Decision are in
accordance with the opinion of the Committee estab
Janez POTONIK
lished by Article 75(1) of Directive 2010/75/EU,
Member of the Commission
( 1 ) OJ C 146, 17.5.2011, p. 3.
( 2 ) http://circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/env/ied/library?l=/ied_art_13_forum/
opinions_article

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EN
16.2.2013 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
45/15
ANNEX
BAT CONCLUSIONS FOR THE TANNING OF HIDES AND SKINS
SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
1.1. General BAT conclusions for the tanning of hides and skins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
1.1.1. Environmental management systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
1.1.2. Good housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
1.2. Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
1.3. Minimising water consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
1.4. Reduction of emissions in waste water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
1.4.1. Reduction of emissions in waste water from beamhouse process steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
1.4.2. Reduction of emissions in waste water from tanyard process steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
1.4.3. Reduction of emissions in waste water from post-tanning process steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
1.4.4. Other reductions of emissions in waste water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
1.5. Treatment of emissions to water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
1.6. Airborne emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
1.6.1. Odour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
1.6.2. Volatile organic compounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
1.6.3. Particulate matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
1.7. Waste management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
1.8. Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29

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L 45/16
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
16.2.2013
SCOPE
These BAT conclusions concern the following activities specified in Annex I to Directive 2010/75/EU, namely:
— 6.3 Tanning of hides and skins where the treatment capacity exceeds 12 tonnes of finished products per day,
— 6.11 Independently operated treatment of waste water not covered by Council Directive 91/271/EEC ( 1 ) and discharged by an
installation undertaking activities covered under 6.3 above.
Unless stated otherwise the BAT conclusions presented can be applied to all installations subject to these BAT
conclusions.
Other reference documents which are relevant for the activities covered by these BAT conclusions are the following:
Reference document Subject
Energy Efficiency (ENE) General
energy
efficiency
Economics and Cross-Media Effects (ECM) Economics
and
cross-media
effects
of
techniques
General Principles of Monitoring (MON) Emissions
and
consumption
monitoring
Emissions from storage (EFS) Emissions
from
tanks,
pipework
and
stored
chemicals
Waste Incineration (WI) Waste
incineration
Waste Treatments Industries (WT) Waste
treatment
The techniques listed and described in these BAT conclusions are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive. Other techniques
may be used that ensure at least an equivalent level of environmental protection.
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of these BAT conclusions, the following definitions apply:
Beamhouse/Limeyard That
portion
of
the
tannery
where
the
hides
are
soaked,
limed,
fleshed,
and
unhaired, when necessary, prior to the tanning process.
By-product Object
or
substance
meeting
the
requirements
of
Article
5
of
Directive
2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 1 ).
Existing plant A
plant
that
is
not
a
new
plant.
Existing processing vessel A
processing
vessel
that
is
not
a
new
processing
vessel.
New plant A
plant
first
operated
at
the
installation
following
the
publication
of
these
BAT
conclusions or a complete replacement of a plant on the existing foundations of
the installation following the publication of these BAT conclusions.
New processing vessel
A processing vessel first operated at the plant following the publication of these
BAT conclusions or a complete rebuild of a processing vessel following the
publication of these BAT conclusions.
Tannery An
installation
that
carries
out
the
activity
‘Tanning
of
hides
and
skins
where
the
treatment capacity exceeds 12 tonnes of finished products per day’ (Activity 6.3 of
Annex I to Directive 2010/75/EU).
Tanyard
The part of the tannery where the processes of pickling and tanning are carried
out.
Urban waste water treatment A plant subject to Directive 91/271/EEC.
plant
( 1 ) OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3.
( 1 ) OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40.

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1.1. General BAT conclusions for the tanning of hides and skins
1.1.1. E n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t s y s t e m s
1. In order to improve the overall environmental performance of a tannery, BAT is to implement and adhere to an
environmental management system (EMS) that incorporates all of the following features:
(i) commitment of the management, including senior management;
(ii) definition of an environmental policy that includes the continuous improvement of the installation by the
management;
(iii) planning and establishing the necessary procedures, objectives and targets, in conjunction with financial planning
and investment;
(iv) implementation of procedures paying particular attention to:
(a) structure and responsibility;
(b) training, awareness and competence;
(c) communication;
(d) employee involvement;
(e) documentation;
(f) efficient process control;
(g) maintenance programmes;
(h) emergency preparedness and response;
(i) safeguarding compliance with environmental legislation;
(v) checking performance and taking corrective action, paying particular attention to:
(a) monitoring and measurement (see also the reference document on the general principles of monitoring);
(b) corrective and preventive action;
(c) maintenance of records;
(d) independent (where practicable) internal and external auditing in order to determine whether or not the EMS
conforms to planned arrangements and has been properly implemented and maintained;
(vi) review of the EMS and its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness by senior management;
(vii) following the development of cleaner technologies;
(viii) consideration for the environmental impacts from the eventual decommissioning of the installation at the stage of
designing a new plant, and throughout its operating life;
(ix) application of sectoral benchmarking on a regular basis.
Specifically for the tanning of hides and skins, it is also important to consider the following potential features of the
EMS:
(x) to facilitate decommissioning, the maintenance of records of the locations on the site where particular process steps
are carried out;
(xi) other items listed under BAT conclusion 2.
Applicability
The scope (e.g. level of details) and nature of the EMS (e.g. standardised or non-standardised) will generally be related to
the nature, scale and complexity of the installation, and the range of environmental impacts it may have.
1.1.2. G o o d h o u s e k e e p i n g
2. In order to minimise the environmental impact of the production process, BAT is to apply the principles of good
housekeeping by applying the following techniques in combination:
(i) careful selection and control of substances and raw materials (e.g. quality of hides, quality of chemicals);
(ii) input-output analysis with a chemical inventory, including quantities and toxicological properties;

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L 45/18
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Official Journal of the European Union
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(iii) minimisation of the use of chemicals to the minimum level required by the quality specifications of the final
product;
(iv) careful handling and storage of raw materials and finished products in order to reduce spills, accidents and water
wastage;
(v) segregation of waste streams, where practicable, in order to allow for the recycling of certain waste streams;
(vi) monitoring of critical process parameters to ensure stability of the production process;
(vii) regular maintenance of the systems for the treatment of effluents;
(viii) review of options for the reuse of process/washing water;
(ix) review of waste disposal options.
1.2. Monitoring
3. BAT is to monitor emissions and other relevant process parameters, including those indicated below, with the given
associated frequency and to monitor emissions according to EN standards. If EN standards are not available, BAT is to use
ISO, national or other international standards that ensure the provision of data of an equivalent scientific quality.
Parameter Frequency Applicability
Measurement of water consumption
in the two process stages: up to
a
tanning and post-tanning, and At least monthly.
Applicable to plants carrying out wet
recording of production in the same
processing.
period.
Recording of the quantities of process
chemicals used in each process step
b
and recording of production in the At least yearly. Generally
applicable.
same period.
Monitoring of the sulphide concen
tration and total chromium concen
tration in the final effluent after
The monitoring of chromium concen
treatment for direct discharge to
tration is applicable to on-site or off-
receiving water, by using flow
site plants which undertake chromium
proportional 24-hour composite
precipitation.
samples.
c
On a weekly or monthly
basis.
Where economically viable, the moni
Monitoring of the sulphide concen
toring of sulphide concentration is
tration and total chromium concen
applicable to plants carrying out some
tration after chromium precipitation
part of effluent treatment on site or off
for indirect discharge, by using flow
site for treating waste waters from
proportional 24-hour composite
tanneries.
samples.
Monitoring of chemical oxygen
demand (COD), biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD) and ammoniacal
nitrogen after on-site or off-site
effluent treatment for direct
On a weekly or monthly
discharges to receiving water, by basis.
Applicable to plants carrying out some
d
using flow-proportional 24-hour
part of effluent treatment on-site or off-
composite samples.
More frequent measurements site for treating waste waters from
in case process changes are tanneries.
Monitoring of total suspended solids needed.
after on-site or off-site effluent
treatment for direct discharges to
receiving water.

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European
Union L
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Parameter Frequency Applicability
Monitoring of halogenated organic
Applicable to plants where halogenated
compounds after on-site or off-site
e
organic compounds are used in the
effluent treatment for direct
On a regular basis.
production process and are susceptible
discharges to receiving water.
to being released into receiving water.
Measurement of pH or redox
Applicable to plants using wet
f
potential at the liquid outlet of wet Continuously.
scrubbing to abate hydrogen sulphide
scrubbers.
or ammonia emissions to the air.
The keeping of a solvent inventory on
Applicable to plants carrying out
an annual basis, and recording of
g
finishing using solvents and using
production in the same period.
On an annual basis.
water-borne coatings or similar
materials to limit the solvent input.
Monitoring of volatile organic
compound emissions at the outlet of
Applicable to plants carrying out
h
abatement equipment, and recording Continuously or periodically. finishing using solvents and
of production.
employing abatement.
Indicative monitoring of the pressure
Applicable to plants using bag filters to
drop across bag filters.
i
On a regular basis.
abate particulate matter emissions,
where there is a direct discharge to
the atmosphere.
Testing of the capture efficiency of
Applicable to plants using wet
wet scrubbing systems.
j
Annually.
scrubbing to abate particulate matter
emissions, where there is a direct
discharge to the atmosphere.
Recording of the quantities of process
k
residues sent for recovery, reuse, On a regular basis. Generally
applicable.
recycling, and disposal.
Recording of all forms of energy use
l
and of production in the same period. On a regular basis. Generally
applicable.
1.3. Minimising water consumption
4. In order to minimise water consumption, BAT is to use one or both of the techniques given below.
Technique Description Applicability
Optimisation of water use is achieved by
determining the optimum quantity required
for each process step and introducing the
correct quantity using measuring equipment.
The optimisation of water use in Batch washing involves washing of hides
and skins during processing by introducing
a all wet process steps, including
Applies to all plants carrying
the use of batch washing instead the required quantity of clean water into the out wet processing.
of running water washes
processing vessel and using the action of the
vessel to achieve the required agitation, as
opposed to running water washes which
use the inflow and outflow of large quan
tities of water.
Short floats are reduced amounts of process This technique cannot be
water in proportion to the amount of hides applied in the dyeing process
or skins being processed as compared to step and for the processing of
traditional practices. There is a lower limit calfskins.
to this reduction because the water also
functions as a lubricant and coolant for Applicability is also limited to:
b The
use
of
short
floats
the hides or skins during processing. The
rotation of process vessels containing a — new processing vessels,
limited amount of water requires more
robust geared drives because the mass — existing processing vessels
being rotated is uneven.
that allow the use of, or
can be modified to use,
short floats.

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Official Journal of the European Union
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The review of options for the reuse of process/washing water is part of an Environmental Management System (see
BAT 1) and of the principles of good housekeeping (see BAT 2).
The BAT-associated consumption levels for water
See Table 1 (for bovine hides) and Table 2 (for sheepskins).
Table 1
BAT-associated consumption levels for water for the processing of bovine hides
Water consumption per tonne of raw hide ( 1 )
Process stages
(m 3 /t)
Unsalted hides Salted
hides
Raw to wet blue/white 10
to
15 13
to
18
Post-tanning processes and finishing 6
to
10 6
to
10
Total consumption. 16
to
25 19
to
28
( 1 ) Monthly average values. Processing of calfskins and vegetable tanning may require a higher water
Table 2
BAT-associated consumption levels for water for the processing of sheepskins
Specific water consumption ( 1 )
Process stages
litres per skin
Raw to pickle 65
to
80
Pickle to wet blue 30
to
55
Post-tanning processes and finishing 15
to
45
Total 110
to
180
( 1 ) Monthly average values. Wool-on sheepskins may require a higher water consumption.
1.4. Reduction of emissions in waste water
1.4.1. R e d u c t i o n o f e m i s s i o n s i n w a s t e w a t e r f r o m b e a m h o u s e p r o c e s s s t e p s
5. In order to reduce the pollutant load in the waste water before effluent treatment arising from the beamhouse
process steps, BAT is to use an appropriate combination of the techniques given below.
Technique Description Applicability
The technique cannot be applied for
the processing of calfskins.
Short floats are reduced amounts of Applicability is also limited to:
process water. When less water is
a The
use
of
short
floats
present, the quantity of process — new processing vessels,
chemicals which are discarded
unreacted, is reduced.
— existing processing vessels that
allow the use of, or can be
modified to use, short floats.

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Technique Description Applicability
Use of hides or skins which have less Applicable subject to the constraints
of the availability of clean hides.
b The
use
of
clean
hides
or
skins manure adhering to the exterior,
possibly through a formal ‘clean
hides scheme’.
Unsalted hides or skins are used.
Applicability is limited by the avail
ability of fresh hides or skins.
Rapid post-mortem cooling combined
c Processing
fresh
hides
or
skins with either short delivery times or Cannot be applied when a supply
temperature-controlled transport and chain longer than two days is
storage are used to prevent their involved.
deterioration.
Salted hides are opened out for Applicability is limited to tanneries
processing in a manner which shakes processing salted hides.
d
Shaking off loose salt from hides
by mechanical means
or tumbles them, so that loose salt
crystals fall off and are not taken
into the soaking process.
The technique is not applicable
where facilities for the processing
of hair for use are not available
within a reasonable transport
Unhairing is carried out by dissolving distance or when the hair use is
the hair root rather than the whole not possible.
e Hair-save
unhairing
hair. The remaining hair is filtered
out of the effluent. The concentration Applicability is also limited to:
of hair breakdown products in the
effluent is reduced.
— new processing vessels,
— existing processing vessels that
allow the use of, or can be
modified to use, the technique.
The amount of inorganic sulphide Additional use of enzymes is not
Using organic sulphur
used in unhairing is reduced by applicable to tanneries producing
f
compounds or enzymes in the partially replacing it by organic leather with a visible grain (e.g.
unhairing of bovine hides
sulphur compounds or by additional aniline leather).
use of appropriate enzymes.
The complete replacement of
ammonium compounds by CO 2
during deliming cannot be applied
to the processing of materials
whose thickness is over 1,5 mm.
The use of ammonium compounds in The applicability of partial or
deliming is partially or completely complete replacement of
g
Reduced ammonium use during
ammonium compounds by CO
deliming
replaced by the injection of carbon
2
dioxide gas and/or the use of other during deliming is also limited to:
substitute deliming agents.
— new processing vessels,
— existing processing vessels that
allow the use of, or can be
modified to use, CO 2 during
deliming.
1.4.2. R e d u c t i o n o f e m i s s i o n s i n w a s t e w a t e r f r o m t a n y a r d p r o c e s s s t e p s
6. In order to reduce the pollutant load in the waste water before effluent treatment arising from the tanyard process
steps, BAT is to use an appropriate combination of the techniques given below.

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Technique Description Applicability
Short floats are reduced amounts of This technique cannot be applied
process water. When less water is for the processing of calfskins.
present, the quantity of process
chemicals which is discarded
unreacted is reduced.
Applicability is also limited to:
a The
use
of
short
floats
— new processing vessels,
— existing processing vessels that
allow the use of, or can be
modified to use, short floats.
Optimisation of the operating
parameters (e.g. pH, float,
temperature, time, and drum speed)
b
Maximising the uptake of
and the use of chemicals to increase
chromium tanning agents
Generally applicable.
the proportion of the chromium-
tanning agent taken up by the hides
or skins.
Use of drum tanning for part of the
process.
Cannot be applied in the
c
Optimised vegetable-tanning
methods
production of vegetable-tanned
Use of pretanning agents to aid sole leather.
penetration of vegetable tannins.
1.4.3. R e d u c t i o n o f e m i s s i o n s i n w a s t e w a t e r f r o m p o s t - t a n n i n g p r o c e s s s t e p s
7. In order to reduce the pollutant load in the waste water before effluent treatment arising from the post-tanning
process steps, BAT is to use an appropriate combination of the techniques given below.
Technique Description Applicability
This technique cannot be applied in
the dyeing process step and for the
processing of calfskins.
Short floats are reduced amounts of
process water. When less water is Applicability is also limited to:
a The
use
of
short
floats
present, the quantity of process
chemicals which is discarded — new processing vessels,
unreacted is reduced.
— existing processing vessels that
allow the use of, or can be
modified to use, short floats.
Optimisation of process parameters to
b
Optimisation of retanning,
dyeing, and fatliquoring
ensure the maximum uptake of Generally applicable.
process chemicals.
1.4.4. O t h e r r e d u c t i o n s o f e m i s s i o n s i n w a s t e w a t e r
8. In order to prevent the emission of specific pesticides in waste water, BAT is to only process hides or skins which
have not been treated with those materials.
Description
The technique consists in the specification in supply contracts of materials free from pesticides that are:

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— listed in Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environ
mental quality standards in the field of water policy ( 1 ),
— listed in Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on persistent
organic pollutants ( 2 ),
— classified as carcinogen, mutagen or reprotoxic according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and
mixtures ( 3 ).
Examples include DDT, cyclodiene pesticides (aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, isodrin), and HCH including lindane.
Applicability
Generally applicable to tanneries within the constraints of controlling the specifications given to non-EU hides and skins
suppliers.
9. In order to minimise the emissions of biocides in waste water, BAT is to process hides or skins only with biocidal
products approved in accordance with the dispositions given by Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal
products ( 4 ).
1.5. Treatment of emissions to water
10. In order to reduce emissions to receiving waters, BAT is to apply waste water treatment comprising an appropriate
on-site and/or off-site combination of the following techniques:
(i) mechanical treatment;
(ii) physico-chemical treatment;
(iii) biological treatment;
(iv) biological nitrogen elimination.
Description
The application of an appropriate combination of the techniques described below. The combination of techniques can be
implemented on site and/or off site, in two or three stages.
Technique Description Applicability
Screening of gross solids, skimming of
a Mechanical
treatment
fats, oils, and greases and removal of Generally applicable for on-site
solids by sedimentation.
and/or off-site treatment.
Sulphide oxidation and/or precipitation,
COD and suspended solids removal by,
e.g., coagulation and flocculation.
b Physico-chemical
treatment
Chromium precipitation by increasing Generally applicable for on-site
pH to 8 or above using an alkali (e.g. and/or off-site treatment.
calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide,
sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide,
sodium aluminate).
Aerobic biological waste water treatment
c Biological
treatment
using aeration, including the removal of Generally applicable for on-site
suspended solids by, e.g., sedimentation, and/or off-site treatment.
secondary flotation.
Applicable to plants with direct
discharge to receiving water.
Nitrification of ammoniacal nitrogen
d
Biological nitrogen elimin
ation
compounds to nitrates, followed by the
reduction of nitrates to gaseous nitrogen. Difficult implementation into
existing plants where there are
space limitations.
( 1 ) OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 84.
( 2 ) OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 7.
( 3 ) OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1.
( 4 ) OJ L 167, 27.6.2012, p. 1.

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L 45/24
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
16.2.2013
BAT-associated emission levels
See Table 3. BAT-AELs apply for:
(i) direct waste water discharges from tanneries on-site waste water treatment plants;
(ii) direct waste water discharges from independently operated waste water treatment plants covered under Section 6.11
in Annex I to Directive 2010/75/EU treating waste water mostly from tanneries.
Table 3
BAT-AELs for direct discharges of waste water after treatment
BAT-AELs
Parameter
mg/l
(monthly average values based on the average of the 24-hour
representative composite samples taken over a month)
COD 200-500
( 1 )
BOD 5
15-25
Suspended solids <
35
Ammoniacal nitrogen NH 4 -N (as N) <
10
Total chromium (as Cr) <
0,3-1
Sulphide (as S) <
1
( 1 ) The upper level is associated with COD inlet concentrations of ≥ 8 000 mg/l.
11. In order to reduce the chromium content of waste water discharges, BAT is to apply on-site or off-site chromium
precipitation.
Description
See BAT 10, technique b.
The efficiency of chromium precipitation is higher in the case of segregated, concentrated chromium-bearing streams.
Applicability
Generally applicable for on-site and/or off-site treatment of waste water effluents of tanneries carrying out chromium
tanning and/or retanning.
BAT-associated emission levels
See Table 3 for chromium BAT-AELs for direct discharges to receiving water, and Table 4 for chromium BAT-AELs for
indirect discharges into urban waste water treatment plants.
12. In
order
to
reduce
total
chromium
and
sulphide
emissions
through
indirect
discharges
of
waste
water
from
tanneries into urban waste water treatment plants, BAT is to apply chromium precipitation and sulphide oxidation.
Description
See BAT 10, technique b.
The removal efficiency is higher in the case of segregated, concentrated chromium/sulphide-bearing streams.
Sulphide oxidation consists of a catalytic oxidation (aeration in the presence of manganese salts).

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EN
16.2.2013 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
45/25
Applicability
Chromium precipitation is generally applicable for on-site and/or off-site treatment of waste water effluents of tanneries
carrying out chromium tanning and/or retanning.
BAT-associated emissions levels
See Table 4 for chromium and sulphide BAT-AELs for indirect discharges into urban waste water treatment plants.
Table 4
BAT-AELs for total chromium and sulphide emissions through indirect discharges of waste water from tanneries
into urban waste water treatment plants
BAT-AELs
Parameter
mg/l
(monthly average values based on the average of the 24-hour
representative composite samples taken over a month)
Total chromium (as Cr) <
0,3-1
Sulphide (as S) <
1
1.6. Airborne emissions
1.6.1. O d o u r
13. In order to reduce the generation of ammonia odours from processing, BAT is to partially or completely replace
ammonium compounds in deliming.
Applicability
The complete replacement of ammonium compounds by CO 2 during deliming cannot be applied to the processing of
materials whose thickness is over 1,5 mm.
The applicability of partial or complete replacement of ammonium compounds by CO 2 during deliming is also limited to
both new and existing processing vessels that allow the use of, or can be modified to use, CO 2 during deliming.
14. In order to reduce the emission of odours from process steps and effluent treatment, BAT is to abate ammonia
and hydrogen sulphide by the scrubbing and/or biofiltration of extracted air in which odour of these gases are noticeable.
15. In order to prevent the production of odours from the decomposition of raw hides or skins, BAT is to use curing
and storage designed to prevent decomposition, and rigorous stock rotation.
Description
Correct salt curing or temperature control, both combined with rigorous stock rotation to eliminate decomposition
odours.
16. In order to reduce the emission of odours from waste, BAT is to use handling and storage procedures designed to
reduce waste decomposition.
Description
Control of waste storage and methodical removal of putrescible waste from the installation before its decomposition
causes odour problems.
Applicability
Applies only to plants which produce putrescible wastes.
17. In order to reduce the emission of odours from the beamhouse effluent, BAT is to use pH control followed by
treatments to remove the sulphide content.

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L 45/26
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
16.2.2013
Description
Maintaining the pH of effluents containing sulphide from the beamhouse above 9,5 until the sulphide has been treated
(on or off site) by one of the following techniques:
(i) catalytic oxidation (using manganese salts as a catalyst);
(ii) biological oxidation;
(iii) precipitation; or
(iv) by mixing in an enclosed vessel system fitted with an exhaust scrubber or a carbon filter.
Applicability
Applies only to plants carrying out sulphide unhairing.
1.6.2. V o l a t i l e o r g a n i c c o m p o u n d s
18. In order to reduce the airborne emissions of halogenated volatile organic compounds, BAT is to replace halo
genated volatile organic compounds used in the process with substances that are not halogenated.
Description
Replacement of halogenated solvents by non-halogenated solvents.
Applicability
Does not apply to the dry degreasing of sheepskins carried out in closed cycle machines.
19.
In order to reduce airborne emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from finishing, BAT is to use one or a
combination of the techniques given below, priority being given to the first one.
Technique Description
Limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds by the
use of water-borne coatings, with each coat applied by one
a
The use of water-borne coatings in combination
with an efficient application system
of the following: curtain coating or roller coating or
improved spraying techniques.
Treating the exhaust air by the use of an extraction system
b
The use of extraction ventilation and an fitted with one or more of the following: wet scrubbing,
abatement system
adsorption, bio-filtration or incineration.
BAT-associated solvent use levels and BAT-associated emission levels for VOC
Both the solvent use rates associated with the use of water-borne coatings in combination with an efficient application
system and the BAT-AEL range for specific VOC emissions where an extraction ventilation and abatement system is used
as an alternative to the use of water-borne finishing materials are given in Table 5.
Table 5
BAT-associated solvent use levels and BAT-AELs for VOC emissions
BAT-associated levels
Parameter Type
of
production
g/m 2
(annual average values
per unit of finished
leather)
Upholstery and automotive
10-25
leather
Where water-borne coatings are Footwear, garment, and
40-85
Solvent use levels
used in combination with an leathergoods leathers
efficient application system
Coated leathers (coating
115-150
thickness > 0,15 mm)

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EN
16.2.2013 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
45/27
BAT-associated levels
Parameter Type
of
production
g/m 2
(annual average values
per unit of finished
leather)
9-23 (
VOC emissions
Where an extraction ventilation and abatement system is used as

1 )
an alternative to the use of water-borne finishing materials
( 1 ) BAT-AEL range expressed as total carbon.
1.6.3. P a r t i c u l a t e m a t t e r
20. In order to reduce the airborne particulate matter emissions from the dry finishing stages of production, BAT is to
use an extraction ventilation system fitted with bag filters or wet scrubbers.
BAT-associated emission levels
The BAT-AEL for particulate matter is 3 to 6 mg per normal m 3 of exhausted air expressed as a 30-minute mean.
1.7. Waste management
21. In order to limit the quantities of wastes sent for disposal, BAT is to organise operations on the site so as to
maximise the proportion of process residues, which arise as by-products, including the following:
Process residue Uses
as
a
by-product
— Filling material
Hair and wool
— Wool textiles
Limed trimmings —
Collagen
production
— Processed to leather
— Production of sausage casings
Untanned splits
— Collagen production
— Dog chews
— Finished for use in patchwork, small leather goods, etc.
Tanned splits and trimmings
— Collagen production
22. In order to limit the quantities of wastes sent for disposal, BAT is to organise operations on the site so as to
facilitate waste reuse, or failing that, waste recycling, or failing that, ‘other recovery’, including the following:
Waste Reuse
after
preparation Recycling
as Other
recovery
Hair and Wool —
Manufacture
of
protein
hydrolysate — Fertiliser —
Energy
recovery
Raw trimmings —
Hide
glue —
Energy
recovery
— Tallow
Limed trimmings
— Hide glue
— Manufacture of technical gelatine
— Manufacture of protein hydrolysate
— Production of substitute
Fleshings
— Hide glue
fuel
— Tallow
— Energy recovery

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L 45/28
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
16.2.2013
Waste Reuse
after
preparation Recycling
as Other
recovery
— Manufacture of technical gelatine
Untanned splits
— Hide glue —
Energy
recovery
— Manufacture of protein hydrolysate
— Leather fibreboard production from
Tanned splits and trim
non-finished trimmings
mings
— Energy recovery
— Manufacture of protein hydrolysate
— Leather fibreboard production
Tanned shavings
— Energy recovery
— Manufacture of protein hydrolysate
Sludges from waste
water treatment
— Energy recovery
23. In order to reduce the chemical consumption and reduce the amount of leather waste containing chromium-
tanning agents sent for disposal, BAT is to use lime splitting.
Description
Carrying out the splitting operation at an earlier stage of processing, so as to produce an untanned by-product.
Applicability
Applies only to plants using chromium tanning.
Not applicable:
— when hides or skins are being processed for full substance (i.e. unsplit) products,
— when a firmer leather has to be produced (e.g. shoe leather),
— when a more uniform thickness is needed in the final product,
— where tanned splits are produced as a product or co-product.
24.
In order to reduce the amount of chromium in sludge sent for disposal, BAT is to use one or a combination of the
techniques given below.
Technique Description Applicability
Re-solution of the chromium Applicability is restricted by the need to
precipitated from the tanning produce leather properties which meet
a
Recovery of chromium for reuse in float, using sulphuric acid for customers specification, in particular
the tannery
use as a partial substitute for related to dyeing (reduced fastness and
fresh chromium salts.
less brightness of colours) and fogging.
Use of the chromium sludge as Applies only where an industrial user
b
Recovery of chromium for reuse in a raw material by another for the recovered waste can be found.
another industry
industry.
25. In
order
to
reduce
energy,
chemical
and
handling
capacity
requirements
of
sludge
for
its
subsequent
treatment,
BAT is to reduce the water content of sludges by using sludge dewatering.
Applicability
Applies to all plants carrying out wet processing.

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EN
16.2.2013 Official
Journal
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the
European
Union L
45/29
1.8. Energy
26. In order to reduce energy consumed in drying, BAT is to optimise the preparation for drying by samming or any
other mechanical dewatering.
27. In order to reduce energy consumption for wet processes, BAT is to use short floats.
Description
Reducing the energy used to heat water by reducing hot water use.
Applicability
The technique cannot be applied in the dyeing process step and for the processing of calfskins.
Applicability is also limited to:
— new processing vessels,
— existing processing vessels that allow the use of, or can be modified to use, short floats.
BAT-associated energy consumption rates
See Table 6.
Table 6
Specific energy consumption associated with BAT
Specific energy consumption per unit of raw material ( 1 )
Activity stages
GJ/t
Processing bovine hides from raw to wet blue or wet white <
3
Processing bovine hides from raw to finished leather <
14
Processing sheepskins from raw to finished leather <
6
( 1 ) The energy consumption values (expressed as an annual average not corrected to primary energy) cover the energy use in the
production process including electricity and the total heating for indoor spaces, but excluding the energy use for waste water treatment.

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