'Not further prepared' indicates the hide or skin has undergone only basic preservation steps — such as salting, brining, or liming — sufficient to prevent decomposition during transit, but has not been tanned, pickled beyond basic preservation, or otherwise processed. Once a hide is pickled (acid-salt treated) to a degree that constitutes a tanning precursor, or tanned in any way, it moves to a different classification.

Yes. APHIS regulates the importation of raw and partially processed hides from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease and other livestock diseases. Importers must verify that the origin country is on APHIS's approved list for the specific hide type and preservation method, and shipments may require specific treatment certifications or permits before entry is granted.