A new standard has been published by ISO for the thermal pre-aging process of leather to assess the propensity of chromium VI formation, otherwise known as the chrome VI heat ageing test.
ISO 10195:2018 affects chromium tanned leather and therefore leather manufacturers and producers of leathergoods that are made from chrome tanned leather.
The new standard for chromium VI heat ageing does not simulate any real condition in leather production or use, and is used to test leather samples against one of two sets of conditions depending on the end use of the leather:
| Method | Conditions | Recommended Use |
| A1 | 24 hours at 60 ±2 ºC and relative humidity less than 20% | General purpose ageing for leathers not subjected to critical conditions in manufacturing and/or transportation (gloves, garments, leather goods, handmade or fashion articles) |
| A2 | 24 hours at 80 ±2 ºC and relative humidity less than 10% | Ageing for leathers subjected to critical conditions in manufacturing and/or transportation (footwear, automotive, upholstery) |
Leather samples submitted for chromium VI heat ageing need to have the set of testing conditions specified upon submission i.e. whether you would like the leather to be tested to method A1 or A2.
In the case where the end-use of the leather is not known, chemical testing experts at BLC state that testing to method A2 are recommended. Method A2 carries out chromium VI heat ageing to the more stringent set of conditions and therefore can provide a wider scope for end use of the leather.
Chromium VI, which is also known as hexavalent chromium VI or chrome VI, is the hazardous oxidised form of the naturally occurring chromium element.
Chromium and the safe chromium III are often used in tanning however chromium VI commonly occurs during transportation and storage of leather goods, as the development of chrome VI is often slow.
Chromium VI is a restricted substance that is regulated internationally. It is also found on the ZHDC MRSL which provides guidance on its use in the footwear and apparel sectors.
Chemical Testing Experts at BLC can guide you through chromium VI heat ageing and compliance to ISO 10195:2018. Email info@chem-map.com or call BLC today on +44 (0) 1604 679 999 or complete the contact form at the bottom of this web page.
In addition to chromium VI heat ageing, BLC also provides a range of chrome VI testing services:
Chromium VI in leather BS EN ISO 17075 – the internationally recognised method for the analysis of chrome VI in leather, has been updated and split into two parts:
Chromium VI ageing (using Ultra Violet)
Read more information on BLC chrome VI testing services.
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Published 22nd May 2025 Read more
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