Overview
ISO 28499-3:2009 specifies guidance for the visual classification of raw or cured, trimmed water-buffalo hides and buffalo calf skins intended for tanning, based on visually apparent defects. The part applies to water-buffalo only and explicitly excludes wild buffalo and American bison (Bison bison). The standard supports consistent grading for tannery acceptance, quality control and commercial trading.
Key Topics
- Scope and applicability: Applies to raw or cured, trimmed water-buffalo hides and calf skins intended for leather production; excludes wild buffalo and American bison.
- Terms and definitions: Key terms include curing (temporary preservation) and defect (any damage likely to depreciate leather value).
- Classification of defects: Defects are grouped into five categories:
- Natural defects caused by diseases and parasites (warble holes, ringworm, tick marks, scars, tumour marks)
- Mechanical defects on the living animal (brands, bruises, scratches, horn rakes, goad marks)
- Dirt-related defects (dung and urine stains)
- Flaying defects (cuts, excess flesh, poor pattern, grain cracks, holes, corduroy)
- Curing and storage defects (putrefaction, hair slip, red heat, salt stains)
- Grading by defects: Hides are classified into three grades (First, Second, Third) plus a rejection category, with measurable defect thresholds described for practical sorting:
- First grade: Good pattern, well cured, no putrefaction, free of defects especially in butt and neck, no brand marks.
- Second grade: Good pattern, well cured, flay cuts up to 20% in the butt, moderate healed defects, light tick marks, dung/urine stains ≤10% on each hind shank.
- Third grade: Poor pattern, open defects up to 50% area, flay cuts up to 40%, pin holes up to 50%, some putrefaction defects, heavier dung/urine stains than second grade.
- Rejection: Very poor pattern, large holes, brand/scar marks, or defects covering ≥50% of hide area.
Applications
- Provides a standardized basis for hide sorting and acceptance at tannery intake.
- Facilitates consistent quality control and communication between suppliers, traders and tanners.
- Supports commercial grading, pricing and batch segregation for processing and inventory planning.
Related Standards
- ISO 28499-1 - Description of defects (companion document defining defect types)
- ISO 28499-2 - Grading on the basis of mass and size (complements defect-based grading)
- Prepared by ISO/TC 120, Leather, Subcommittee SC1 (Raw hides and skins)
This part of ISO 28499 is a practical tool for graders, buyers and tanners to ensure repeatable visual classification of water-buffalo hides and calf skins based on observable defects.