ISO 11396:2012

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 11396
First edition
2012-05-01
Crocodile skins — Presentation,
description of defects, grading on the
basis of defects, size (length) and origin
Peaux de crocodile — Présentation, description des défauts,
classement sur la base des défauts, de la taille (longueur) et de l’origine
Reference number
©
ISO 2012
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Foreword
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(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
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Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 11396 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 120, Leather, Subcommittee SC 1, Raw hides and
skins, including pickled pelts.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 11396:2012(E)
Crocodile skins — Presentation, description of defects, grading
on the basis of defects, size (length) and origin
1 Scope
This International Standard describes the presentation of crocodile skins and defects which may occur. It
provides guidelines for grading crocodile skins on the basis of defects, size (length) and origin.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
scute
bony external plate or scale of the crocodile skin
2.2
flaying
cutting open a carcass along specific lines and removing the hide/skin from the carcass
NOTE Flaying can be done either by hand or by using a machine.
2.3
fleshing
removal of the flesh or adipose tissue from hides and skins
NOTE The presence of extra fat and muscles left attached to the skin will hold moisture and cause pseudo-anaerobic
conditions leading to putrefaction and loss of value.
3 Presentation
3.1 The presentation of a crocodile skin with the cut pattern splitting the hornback down the centre is shown
in Figure 1. For the purpose of presentation of crocodile skins, the following terms are used:
a) pattern area, symbolized as (PA);
b) outside the pattern area, symbolized as (OP).
3.2 The pattern area is divided into the following three parts, in order of importance, with the belly area having
four quadrants:
1) head (A1);
2) belly (A2), with belly quadrants Q1 to Q4;
3) tail (A3).
Key
1 third scute behind the forearm
2 belly skin
Figure 1 — Presentation of crocodile skins
4 Defects
The defects in crocodile skins are listed in 4.1 to 4.6.
4.1 Buttons
Buttons are marks which are circular-like depressions.
4.2 Cuts or holes (C or H)
Cuts or holes are perforations that go through the skin. There are two categories:
— Category 1: a cut or hole diameter up to 10 mm in width and 5 mm to 20 mm in length;
— Category 2: a cut or hole diameter up to 20 mm in width and 5 mm to 40 mm in length.
4.3 Scars
Scars are damages made to the crocodile skin prior to flaying or harvest (i.e. before slaughter) that have had
time to heal.
NOTE Cuts, holes and scratches leave permanent scars, imprints or damage to the skin.
4.4 Scratches
Scratches are damaged areas present on the crocodile skin during slaughter or flaying. A scratch is normally depicted by
a point where the scale is broken.
NOTE Scratches emanate from crocodiles crawling over rough surfaces with sharp abrasive edges, thorny plants or
trees that could potentially break or damage scales through to the inner skin layers beyond the stratum germinatum. If this
occurs, the skin is exposed to permanent damage that is conspicuous in the finished state.
2 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

4.5 Subcutaneous blemishes
Subcutaneous blemishes are caused by parasitic worms and bacteria. These worms bore into the belly scales
and feed on the sub-scale dermis.
NOTE In certain cases, a brownish, spot-like colouration may be observed; this is indicative of bacterial infection. At
severe levels, the dermis is denatured and a denuded scale or “eroded like” appearance is observed.
4.6 Scale slip
Scale slip is experienced when, either on touch or by itself, a scale loosens or detaches from t
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