Standards Governing the Sale of North American Cattle Hides

This guide was prepared to fill a need for an up to date compilation of terms and practices used in the industry for the sale, take-up and delivery of North American cattle hides. It is offered in the hope that a common understanding of terms and practices will benefit producers and users of hides alike.

The standards and definitions contained in this booklet reflect recommended practices endorsed by members of the United States Hide, Skin & Leather Association (USHSLA). Each member of the Association has agreed to adopt these standards as guidelines in the selling, preparation and the shipping of hides to customers around the world.

The purpose of these standards are to provide buyers with the confidence that transactions concluded with Association members are delivered to agreed-upon best practices in the hide industry.

Non-USHSLA members are encouraged to adhere to these standards.

The Standards are also available in Spanish, located here and in Chinese, located here.

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