loading

Gester Instruments | Professional Textile, Footwear and PPE  Testing  Equipments Manufacturers Since 1997


Test Standard
Test Standard

Leather material authenticity identification method

The current international leather identification method is the microscope method, and the standard adopted is ISO 17131:2012. However, this method only provides a mirror image of the cut surface of the specimen including cow, sheep, pig, goat and other leather. my country's national standard is compiling a leather identification method based on the microscope inspection method on the basis of ISO17131. In addition to the microscope method, sensory identification methods are currently used in the industry.This method mainly relies on the knowledge and experience of the appraisers on animal fur. The test results are subjective and no specific reference standards have been issued. 


In addition, infrared spectroscopy and DNA identification methods are also being developed in the industry. 


This article briefly introduces the above identification methods. Infrared spectroscopy Infrared spectroscopy utilizes the difference in the types and composition ratios of amino acids in the leather, and irradiates the surface of the leather sample with continuous wavelength infrared light to cause the transition between molecular vibration and energy level, and obtain different patterns in the infrared absorption spectrum. . However, the actual test results show that for common pig, cow, sheep, horse and other leathers, the content of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and other elements in collagen and the composition of amino acids are relatively close, and the infrared spectrum shows similar laws. , It is difficult to distinguish. In addition, more chemical reagents will be added during leather processing, and the coating of the leather surface will cause greater interference with the infrared spectrum, so this method is still in the exploratory stage in the identification of finished leather. Sensory Appraisal Method Sensory Appraisal Method is a traditional method, simple and fast, but it requires rich experience. Generally, the color, characteristic pattern, arrangement characteristics and thickness of pores, texture shape, thickness of leather fiber and leather quality are observed by human eyes. Texture, including smell when burning. However, sensory detection is easily affected by the environment and season where the animal grows, and even the gender and age of the animal itself. The thickness of the skin, the thickness of the skin fiber, the hair density, the hair length, and the lubricity of the same species are often different, and this Will affect the final appraisal result. On the other hand, with the development of modern animal husbandry, the requirements for the appraisal personnel are getting higher and higher for the selection of many furs through hybridization technology. 


The sensory identification method is suitable for the identification of whole leather or fur products, and the producer can distinguish leather species through this method at the stage of purchasing the leather. For small-area finished leather products, because of the different skin locations of the same species of leather, the appearance of the leather varies greatly, so it is relatively difficult to detect. At present, two new landmarks under review in Guangzhou-DB 44/T 1358-2014 'Method for Identification of Natural Leather Material' and DB 44/T 1359-2014 'Method for Identification of Transfer Film LeatherTo identify natural leather materials. This method provides a variety of leather sensory characteristics and micro-morphological characteristics of grain and cross-sectional maps. The inspectors identify the morphological features and mirror images between the standard physical samples and the samples.


DNA identification method   

DNA identification method mainly develops a qualitative PCR detection method, which is suitable for qualitative PCR detection of animal-derived ingredients in natural leather products. This method extracts animal-derived DNA in leather products, designs primers for the specific gene sequence of the species, and obtains the gene sequence of the target species by PCR amplification of the mitochondrial endogenous gene. According to the amplified product, fluorescence quantitative PCR method or sequencing comparison is used And other molecular biotechnology to determine leather animal-derived ingredients.  


DNA identification method is not suitable for regenerated leather, artificial leather, synthetic leather, and has certain requirements for the extracted leather DNA. However, leather products undergo acid hydrolysis, alkali treatment, tanning, and dyeing during processing. Cells in skin tissues are destroyed, DNA degradation is serious, and genetic material content is low. At the same time, tanning agents form covalent cross-links between DNA, DNA and protein, making the separation and extraction of DNA more difficult to achieve. However, some leathers use metal salt tanning agents, which have a strong inhibitory effect on enzymes, and make subsequent Molecular amplification is difficult to perform. Therefore, optimizing the extraction method to increase DNA concentration and purity is the key to identification. Leather microscope identification method (ISO 17131:2012)    


leather microscope identification method compares the cross-section of the material under a microscope or electron microscope image, and the cross-sectional mirror image of a known type of leather specimen, and observes leather board fibers, man-made materials and textile materials The morphological characteristics of the test sample to identify the material of the test sample.   


This method is mainly used to identify leather, reclaimed leather, artificial leather, and imitation leather microfiber cloth. The equipment used is an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope, which need to be magnified at least 20 times, and some materials must be magnified at least 500 times. You can spray a suitable coating of electrons or metal particles to obtain a clearer SEM image. However, the standard only provides cowhide (picture 1), sheepskin (picture 2), goat skin (picture 3), pigskin (picture 4), cow suede leather, microfiber cloth, PVC synthetic material, PU synthetic material, leather Fiberboard, as well as some textile materials laminated leather fibers, synthetic materials laminated leather fibers. The mirror image of leather types is relatively limited, so this method is mainly used to distinguish leather from other materials, and is not suitable for biological species identification of leather materials. 



In the present growing world of emerging technology, the has demanding operation in various sectors like tensile tester manufacturers, tensile tester manufacturers, tensile tester manufacturers and many other industries at tensile tester manufacturers levels of manufacturing and designing.
If you need textile testing equipment solution, you should always consult a professional provider. GESTER International Co.,Limited is one such a competent provider that is highly qualified to offer a wide range of products and services. Visit today!
It's the consistent experience that builds trust and loyalty. Creating a personality and platform that is scalable will allow you to evolve textile testing equipment with your consumers.
GESTER International Co.,Limited expects to reach the desired profits in the first year and does not anticipate serious cash flow problems.                                

GET IN TOUCH WITH Us
recommended articles
GESTER's Success at Shoes & Leather - Vietnam 2025
GESTER successfully participated in Shoes & Leather Vietnam 2025 (July 9-11), showcasing cutting-edge footwear testing machines. Visitors explored equipment like the Bally Resistance Flexing Tester and Martindale Abrasion Tester, with many expressing strong collaboration interest. Learn more about GESTER’s innovative solutions for the footwear industry.
Understanding UV Aging Chambers: Applications, Features, and Advantages
The GT-C29 UV Aging Chamber simulates years of environmental damage in days using UVA-340 lamps, rain, and temperature cycles. Ideal for paints, plastics, automotive, and wood industries, it offers high accuracy, cost efficiency, and safety. Learn how it accelerates R&D and quality control.
Zipper Strength Test Guide: What You Need to Know
Zippers are integral to product functionality, and their quality directly affects usability and customer satisfaction. This guide highlights the importance of zipper strength testing, introduces the GT-C39A Zipper Testing Machine, and explains a detailed testing process. By mastering these zipper tests, you can enhance product quality, reduce defects, and ensure compliance with international standards.
Understanding the Operation of Crush Tester
Crush Testers, such as the GT-N09, are essential tools in the packaging industry for evaluating the compressive strength of materials like cardboard and corrugated boards. This guide provides a detailed overview of testing methods like Edge Crush Test (ECT), Ring Crush Test (RCT), Flat Crush Test (FCT), Concora Medium Test (CMT), and Pin Adhesion Test (PAT). It also includes a step-by-step operation procedure for the GT-N09 Crush Tester and key precautions to ensure accurate and reliable test re
Leather Physical Properties Testing Guide
This guide details the 9 critical physical property tests essential for assessing leather quality: Tensile Strength, Tear Strength, Abrasion Resistance, Thickness, Water Vapor Permeability, Water Resistance, Shrinkage Temperature, Color Fastness to Friction, and Bending Strength. It covers the testing scope (natural leather, synthetic leather, finished products, semi-finished goods) and introduces specialized testing equipment required for each method (e.g., Universal Testing Machine, Elmendorf
Understanding 3 Positions DIN Abrasion Tester : A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide explains the 3-Position DIN Abrasion Tester, a rotary drum instrument simulating real-world wear to quantify material abrasion resistance. Learn its working principle (mass/volume loss measurement under controlled friction), key features (touch-screen control, automated dust cleaning), and applications across rubber, tires, footwear, and conveyor belts. Discover compliant standards (DIN 53516, ISO 4649, ASTM D5963), step-by-step operation procedures, and essential mainte
Everything You Need to Know About Programmable Temperature Humidity Chamber
A Programmable Temperature Humidity Chamber simulates environmental conditions to test product durability, stability (like shelf life & ageing), and performance across materials, electronics, automotive parts, food, and pharmaceuticals. This guide explains its five core systems (Control, Refrigeration, Heating, Humidity, Air Circulation) and their functions for precise testing.
Box Compression Tester GT-N02B: The Key to Accurate Determination of Packaging Compression Strength
The GT-N02B Box Compression Tester is a high-precision machine designed to evaluate the compressive strength of cartons and packaging materials. With advanced motor control, fast operation, and multi-functional testing capabilities, it ensures reliable results for quality assurance in manufacturing and logistics.
Everything You Need to Know About the Hydrostatic Head Tester
A hydrostatic head tester evaluates the waterproof capability of textiles, automotive interiors, and industrial materials. This guide covers its working principle, core components, global test standards (ISO, AATCC, EN), and a detailed testing procedure to ensure accurate results.
What is a Light Fastness Tester?
A Light Fastness Tester accelerates material aging by simulating sunlight (xenon lamps) and moisture to predict long-term durability. Used in textiles, automotive, plastics, and more, it follows AATCC TM 16, ISO 105-B02, and ASTM standards. Features include real-time light control, temperature/humidity regulation, and energy-efficient testing.
no data
QUANZHOU GESTER INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD gains certificates of ISO 9001, 3A and SGS Audited supplier etc. with advanced design concept, excellent manufacturing technology and strict quality control.
WeChat

Contact us
Tel: +86-595-28886108 
Fax: +86-595-22515221
E-mail: sales10@gester-instruments.com,
                 info@gester-instruments.com
Mobile/Whatapp/ Wechat:  
             + 86 018059983973
Address:  Block 402,4th floor, f buliding, shengfulan business Center, no.577 jitai road, economic and  Technological development zone quanzhou of fujian.China.
Customer service
detect