Overview
ISO 7482-2:1999 establishes international guidelines for the grading of raw goat skins based on their mass and size. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard applies to both fresh and cured skins, including those preserved by sun-drying, dry-salting, or wet-salting. The document serves as part of the broader ISO 7482 series, which addresses standardization in the classification of raw goat skins for the leather industry.
Clear, consistent grading is vital for fair trade, quality assessment, and optimal utilization of goat skins globally. By standardizing measurement and categorization methods, ISO 7482-2:1999 supports seamless commerce and high-quality end products in the leather sector.
Key Topics
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Definitions and Terminology
The standard provides clear definitions for key terms such as butt, cured skin, dry-salted skin, fresh/green skin, shanks, sun-dried skin, and wet-salted skin, ensuring a common language across the industry.
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Presentation Criteria
Goat skins must be presented in prescribed forms, including specific cut points for the head, shanks, and tail, and must be free from excess fat or flesh. This facilitates uniformity and ease of grading.
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Measurement Methods
ISO 7482-2 details procedures for measuring length and width:
- Length is measured along the backbone from the tail root to the front throat.
- Width is taken at the widest part of the belly.
- The area is calculated as length multiplied by width.
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Mass Determination
The standard outlines how to prepare skins (removal of excess water or salt) and specifies weighing procedures for fresh, wet-salted, dry-salted, and sundried skins.
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Grading Categories
Skins are classified based on either size (length or area) or on mass. Grading tables define categories such as extra-small, kid, small, medium, large, and extra-large for both dimensional and weight-based grading.
Applications
ISO 7482-2:1999 is crucial across various points of the goat skin value chain:
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Processing Facilities and Tanneries
Ensures incoming raw goat skins are graded consistently, improving batch uniformity and process efficiency.
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Quality Control and Inspection
Standard grading empowers objective inspection and guarantees that only compliant skins are advanced for further processing or sale.
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Trade and Export/Import
International merchants and customs authorities rely on standardized grading to facilitate fair pricing and transparent trading practices.
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Leather Goods Manufacturing
Provides manufacturers with clear expectations regarding the quality and suitability of raw materials, supporting premium product development and traceability.
Related Standards
ISO 7482-2:1999 is part of a comprehensive set of standards for goat skin grading. Related documents include:
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ISO 7482-1: Raw goat skins - Descriptions of defects
Focuses on identifying and classifying defects in goat skins, which is essential for complete quality evaluation.
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ISO 7482-3: Raw goat skins - Guidelines for grading on the basis of defects
Complements Part 2 by detailing grading procedures specifically related to the presence of defects.
For organizations seeking to implement consistent international practices in raw goat skin handling, adopting ISO 7482-2:1999 together with its related standards assures improved quality, transparency, and competitiveness in the leather industry.
Keywords: ISO 7482-2, raw goat skins standard, goat skin grading, leather industry, international standardization, hide mass, skin size, skin grading methods, quality control, leather trade
