ISO 4683-2:1999

Overview

ISO 4683-2:1999 establishes a standardized system for the designation and presentation of raw sheep skins still bearing their wool, specifically for use in the leather and fur industry. This international standard issued by ISO applies to fine- and coarse-wooled sheep skins, encompassing various preservation methods such as fresh, raw-dried, wet-salted, dry-salted, or pickled skins. The main aim is to unify classification and handling processes, improving trade communication and ensuring consistent quality across global markets.

Key Topics

• Classification of Sheep Skins:

  • Differentiates between lamb skins and sheep skins, with further sub-categories for each based on age, breed, and condition.
  • Detailed sub-categories include Astrakhan, Breitschwanz, Lessac, still-born, milk-fed, white (laiton), and weaned (hogget) lamb skins.
  • Sheep skins classification includes shorn wool skins and wooled sheep skins, with thickness and fineness of wool as key parameters.

• Designation System:

  • Specifies exact naming conventions for each type of skin, facilitating clear identification and traceability in the supply chain.
  • Adaptable grading system that accounts for regional and buyer-seller requirements.

• Presentation Requirements:

  • Outlines precise physical preparation and grouping of sheep skins for trade or industrial processing.
  • Specifies which parts of the hide are retained or removed, ensuring uniformity and optimal materials for further processing.
  • Presentation must be flat with trimmed shanks, the backbone in the center, and excessive fat removed.

Applications

The ISO 4683-2:1999 standard serves crucial roles in:

• Leather Industry: Ensures that suppliers and manufacturers receive and process sheep skins according to consistent criteria, supporting efficient production of high-quality leather goods.
• Fur Industry: Enables reliable sourcing and grading of wool-on skins for garments and accessories, ensuring clear product specifications and origin traceability.
• International Trade: Facilitates standardized communication between exporters, importers, and regulatory agencies, minimizing disputes over product quality and designation.
• Quality Assurance: Provides a reference for quality control processes, enabling inspectors to verify proper skin classification and presentation as per international best practices.

Related Standards

• ISO 4683-1: Descriptions of defects in raw sheep skins, providing complementary guidelines for defect identification and quality grading.
• ISO/TC 120 (Leather, SC 1 - Raw hides and skins): The technical committee responsible for this and related standards, covering various aspects of raw hide and skin processing.
• Other ISO Leather Standards: These may address tanning, preservation, testing, and further processing of raw hides and skins, ensuring a comprehensive approach to industry standardization.

By implementing ISO 4683-2:1999, organizations in the sheep skins supply chain benefit from increased clarity, product quality, and international compliance, driving efficiency and trust across the industry.