oSIST prEN 18336:2026

Overview

oSIST prEN 18336:2026 is a European draft standard developed by CEN for the grading of raw bovine hides and skins. This document defines clear and consistent requirements for grading defects found in raw cattle hides and skins-both fresh and salted-intended for further processing in the leather manufacturing supply chain. The standard aims to enable transparent, uniform assessment of raw material quality, reducing disputes and improving operational efficiency throughout tanning, processing, and trading.

The grading system set forth in oSIST prEN 18336:2026 references the defect types listed in EN 16055 and organizes hides and skins into four clear categories. This facilitates communication and transactions between suppliers, processors, and manufacturers across the international leather value chain.

Key Topics

• Grading Categories: The standard describes a four-level system for grading hides and skins:

  • First selection: Nearly free from visible defects, particularly in the central area.
  • Second selection: Only minor defects permitted, with limited presence in the central area.
  • Third selection: More frequent defects allowed, predominantly at the edges; some notable flaws (e.g., scars, large holes, disease) may be present.
  • Rejects: Widespread, excessive defects or damage, making the hide or skin unsuitable for most high-value leather applications.

• Defect Types Covered: Includes holes, scars, hair slip, parasite marks, disease lesions (such as warts or scabies), dung contamination, and edge or shape deformations.

• Clear Criteria for Acceptance: The standard specifies maximum allowable defect sizes, numbers, and affected areas for each grading level, ensuring objective and reproducible results.

• Reference to Related Standards: oSIST prEN 18336:2026 is to be used in conjunction with EN 16055 (defect classification and hide description) and EN 15987 (leather industry terminology).

Applications

• Leather Manufacturing: Enables tanneries and leather processors to receive raw materials with consistent quality grading, streamlining their preparation and production workflows.

• Trade and Procurement: Assists suppliers, traders, and buyers in specifying and verifying hide and skin grades, minimizing disputes and claims related to quality differences during international transactions.

• Quality Control: Facilitates better quality control within slaughterhouses, hide markets, and export operations by providing objective criteria and terminology for sorting and documentation.

• Supply Chain Efficiency: By standardizing grading, the document supports material traceability and planning, helping stakeholders allocate hides and skins to the most suitable downstream uses.

• Dispute Resolution: The standard provides an informed reference point to resolve disagreements about the assessment of raw bovine hides and skins quality.

Related Standards

• EN 16055: Leather – Raw bovine hides and skins – Description, presentation, and preservation. This standard details how to identify, list, and describe defects relevant for grading.
• EN 15987: Leather – Terminology – Key definitions for the leather trade. Essential terminology reference for all documentation and processes in the industry.
• ISO Leather Standards: Related ISO standards address broader requirements and testing methods for processed leathers and allied materials.

Adopting oSIST prEN 18336:2026 improves consistency, transparency, and reliability in the grading of raw bovine hides and skins, making it a key reference for stakeholders across the leather industry supply chain.