ISO 2822-1:1998

Overview

ISO 2822-1:1998 - Raw cattle hides and calf skins - Part 1: Descriptions of defects provides a standardized vocabulary and descriptive framework for defects found on raw cattle hides and calf skins intended for tanning. The standard applies to fresh and cured raw hides and calf skins (excluding casualty hides and skins) and organizes defect types into three principal categories: ante‑mortem, post‑mortem, and preserving defects. This standard supports consistent inspection, communication and quality assessment across the leather supply chain.

Key topics

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to raw cattle hides and calf skins for tanning; not for casualty hides.
• Defect classification
  • Ante‑mortem defects: caused while the animal was alive - e.g., abscesses, blind warble holes, brand marks, Demodex bovis (demodectic mange), dung and urine damage, tick marks, pox and ring‑worm lesions, fat wrinkles, hump/hump sore, white spots, wrinkle and yoke marks.
  • Post‑mortem defects: arising during or after slaughter/flaying - e.g., badly bled skins, badly shaped heads/shanks, chattering, flay cuts (scar marks), gouges, grain break (burst), holes, siding/corduroying, cut throat (ritual slaughter).
  • Preservation defects: linked to curing and storage - e.g., heating/hair slip, Dermestes beetle damage, metallic salt stains, red heat (discoloration), purple spots, salt spots, short salting, rancidity, run flesh, sun blisters, veininess.
• Terminology and descriptions
  • Provides clear, trade‑recognized descriptors to identify defect appearance and likely cause (biological, mechanical, chemical, or handling).
• Normative reference
  • References ISO 2820:1974 for trimming methods, supporting consistent trimming-related assessments.

Applications

• Quality control and inspection protocols for tanneries, slaughterhouses and hide traders.
• Procurement specifications and contract terms between suppliers and leather processors.
• Training material for hide graders, quality assurance staff and auditors.
• Basis for dispute resolution and commercial grading where a shared defect vocabulary is required.
• Input for downstream standards and grading guidelines (mass/size, defect‑based grading).

Who uses this standard

• Tannery managers and technicians
• Hide and skin graders and inspectors
• Hide traders, auction houses and procurement teams
• Slaughterhouse quality officers
• Standards developers and technical trainers in the leather industry

Related standards

• ISO 2822 (series): Part 2 - guidelines for grading on mass and size; Part 3 - guidelines for grading on defects.
• ISO 2820:1974 - Leather - Raw hides of cattle and horses - Methods of trim (normative reference).

Keywords: ISO 2822-1, raw cattle hides, calf skins, hide defects, tanning, ante-mortem defects, post-mortem defects, preservation defects, leather industry, hide grading.