How to Buy and Export Tanned Equine and Bovine Hides From Kenya

In the manufacturing of leather goods, tanned animal hides are used as the raw material. Tanning helps preserve the skins and extend their shelf life. There are two primary methods of tanning: vegetable tanning and chrome tanning. Vegetable tanning is more eco-friendly than chrome tanning but is also less cost effective in most cases – which is why you’ll see fewer leather goods made with vegetable-tanned leather and more that use chrome-tanned leather. Recognizing the opportunity, many manufacturers have turned to sourcing tanned hides from third-party suppliers instead of producing their own. This has given rise to a global market for exporting tanned equine and bovine hides from suppliers in developing countries at an affordable price point.

Why Buy Tanned Equine and Bovine Hides From Kenya?

Kenya has a long history of producing high-quality equine and bovine hides that are ideal for the tanning process. During the 1960s, when the country was facing a shortage of hides for its domestic leather-goods manufacturing sector, it began to source hides from neighbouring countries like Uganda. This practice continued into the 1990s when Kenya’s domestic leather manufacturing industry grew rapidly, attracting overseas investors. The country became a regional hub for producing high-quality animal hides that were in high demand worldwide. Today, the equine and bovine hides produced in Kenya are exported to the United States, European Union, and China.

How to Identify Good Quality Tan Equine and Bovine Hides?

The best way to ensure that you’re getting good quality equine and bovine hides is to use a reputable supplier. However, there are a few things that you can look out for to verify quality on your end as well. Here are a few signs that your tan equine and bovine hides are up to snuff: A strong, consistent colour – Good quality equine and bovine hides feature a consistent colour that’s neither too bright nor too dull. Clear, defined markings – Strong markings on equine and bovine hides suggest that they have been properly tanned. The markings will appear on the back side and the front side where applicable. Bad smell – You know a hide has gone bad when it smells like rotting flesh or sour milk. This is a sign that the tanning process did not go as planned, and the hide is not fit for use.

How to Tell Fake Tan Equine and Bovine Hides from the Real Thing?

It’s easy to get scammed when you’re looking to purchase tan equine and bovine hides. A lot of sellers try to pass off fake hides as the real deal, hoping that you won’t know any better. Bad colour – If an equine or bovine hide has a colour that’s too bright or too dull, it’s probably a fake. Fake markings – Fake equine and bovine hides may have markings on the back side, but there will be no markings on the front side. Fake smell – Fake hides smell like sour milk or rotting flesh. The tanning process produces a foul smell, but the smell should dissipate over time. Fake weight – Bad quality equine and bovine hides are lighter than they should be.

Where to Find Genuine Tanned Equine and Bovine Hides for Sale?

Before you buy, make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable supplier. Your supplier should be able to provide you with the following documentation: A valid Commercial Invoice with the country of origin of the hides specified. Badger or Rat Exports and Imports License issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority. A certificate of origin issued by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

If your supplier is unable to provide you with the above documentation, you should consider looking for another supplier.

Bottom line

The manufacturing of leather goods and accessories relies on the use of tanned hides. There are two primary methods of tanning: vegetable tanning and chrome tanning.

Recognizing the opportunity, many manufacturers have turned to sourcing tanned hides from third-party suppliers instead of producing their own. This has given rise to a global market for exporting tanned equine and bovine hides from suppliers in developing countries at an affordable price point.

If you’re looking to buy tanned hides, make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable supplier. Only then can you be sure that you’re getting the best deal possible.