Sheep and Lambskin Leather (Without Wool), Parchment-Dressed or Prepared After Tanning

Parchment dressing involves treating the hide under tension with alum, oil, or similar agents rather than conventional chrome or vegetable tanning, producing a stiff, semi-translucent material used in specialty applications. Both parchment-dressed and conventionally finished (dyed, coated) sheepskins fall under this heading because both have undergone preparation beyond the crust stage. The distinction matters commercially for end-use specification but does not create a separate tariff line within this SITC heading.

Key specifications include average hide area (typically measured in square decimeters), thickness uniformity, temper (soft to firm), colorfastness to rubbing and light, and defect rate per hide. For garment use, stretch recovery and dry-cleaning compatibility are also commonly tested. Importers should request third-party lab test reports aligned with the relevant ISO or ASTM leather testing standards before committing to large orders.