What is ISO 17131 about?
ISO 17131 is a series on leather. Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. ISO 17131 specifies a method using microscopy to identify leather and distinguish it from other materials.
Note: The method is not applicable for identifying specific leathers.
Who is ISO 17131 for?
ISO 17131 on the identification of leather with microscopy is useful for:
- Leather manufacturing industries
- Leather testing institution
- Quality control personnel
Why should you use ISO 17131?
Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools, and sports equipment, and lasts for decades. The identification of leather is best made by operators experienced in material identification using microscopy, which is the preferred method. With other methods, such as chemical analysis, it can be difficult to absolutely determine that the material is leather.
Identification of leather with microscopy as described in ISO 17131 is beneficial regarding consumer protection, product counterfeiting or authenticity issues, and dispute settlement in the leather industry and thus helping in trading standards and protecting endangered species. Using ISO 17131 you can specify a method using microscopy to identify leather.
What is changed since the last update?
BS EN ISO 17131:2020 supersedes ISO 17131:2012. BS EN ISO 17131:2020 includes some technical changes with respect to ISO 17131:2012. These include:
- Light microscope phase contrast cross-section photographs added in a new normative
- Apparatus and materials and Procedures have been modified to include the preparation for this light microscopy technique
