About Me.Conde - Raw Leather Supplier in Spain

Spain hosts Me.Conde, an imported supplier that currently lists five distinct leather‑related products. The catalogue includes Alpaca skins, Llama skins, wet salted sheep skins, generic hides and wet blue sheepskins. All items fall under the broader classification of animal skins, hides and raw leather. The supplier’s tier is recorded as “imported” with a harbor trust tier, indicating reliance on maritime channels. Me.Conde’s product list reflects both exotic (alpaca, llama) and common (sheep) hide types.

These products are categorized in the HS chapter 41 family that covers raw hides, skins and leather (HS codes 4101‑4109). The wet salted and wet blue designations refer to standard preservation methods used before tanning, with wet blue indicating chrome‑tanned hides stored at a typical chromium concentration of 2‑3 % and moisture content around 30‑35 %. Wet salted skins are preserved with salt to maintain flexibility and typically contain less than 10 % moisture. Hides without further processing are often sold as full‑grain raw leather suitable for downstream tanning. Buyers usually request documentation on preservation method, origin, and any chemical treatments applied.

Product Range and Specialties of Me.Conde

Me.Conde’s catalogue covers both exotic and domestic hide types. Alpaca and llama skins are valued for their fine fibre and are commonly graded by fibre length (30‑45 mm) and thickness (0.8‑1.2 mm). Wet salted sheep skins are supplied in full‑grain condition, with typical weight 2.5‑3.5 kg per hide and moisture content below 12 % after salting. Wet blue sheepskins represent chrome‑tanned hides ready for upholstery, usually meeting ISO 2089 standards for tensile strength (≥30 MPa) and thickness (1.2‑2.0 mm). Generic hides listed without species designation are often full‑grain raw leather meeting REACH‑compliant chromium limits and are packaged in wooden crates or bulk bags for export.

Trade and Export Information - Me.Conde

Spain is a long‑standing exporter of raw hides and leather, with the majority of shipments directed to the European Union, the United States and East Asian markets such as China and South Korea. HS codes 4101‑4109 are routinely inspected under EU phytosanitary regulations and, for non‑EU destinations, may require CITES documentation for exotic species such as alpaca and llama. Common buyer requirements include ISO 9001 quality‑management certification, REACH compliance for chemical residues, and, where applicable, Oeko‑Tex Standard 100 for textile‑leather blends.

Logistics for animal skins typically involve containerized transport in 20‑foot or 40‑foot containers, with wet salted hides packed in moisture‑controlled wooden crates and wet blue hides in sealed plastic drums to prevent corrosion. Freight terms most often used are FOB Spanish ports (e.g., Valencia, Algeciras) or CIF to the buyer’s destination. Export documentation generally comprises a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, and any species‑specific permits.

Sourcing from Me.Conde - Buyer Guidance

Potential buyers should request a material safety data sheet (MSDS) that details preservation chemicals, chromium levels for wet blue hides and any residual salt content for wet salted skins. Sample submissions are standard practice; a typical sample size is one full hide or a 5 kg portion, allowing verification of thickness, grain, and tensile strength against ISO 2089 or ASTM D2137 tests. Verification of REACH compliance, ISO 9001 certification and, for exotic skins, CITES permits is advisable before finalizing orders.

Me.Conde’s catalogue does not specify minimum order quantities, but industry practice for raw hides ranges from 500 kg to full container loads of 5‑7 tons, with lead times of 30‑45 days after order confirmation and receipt of required certificates. Buyers should confirm packaging preferences - bulk wooden crates for wet salted hides or sealed drums for wet blue - and arrange appropriate Incoterms to align with their supply chain.

What types of hides does Me.Conde offer?

Me.Conde lists Alpaca skins, Llama skins, wet salted sheep skins, generic hides and wet blue sheepskins, covering both exotic and common livestock species.

Which HS codes apply to these products?

The hides and skins fall under HS chapter 41, specifically codes 4101‑4109 that cover raw hides, skins and leather.

What preservation methods are used for the skins?

Wet salted skins are preserved with salt to keep moisture below 12 %, while wet blue sheepskins are chrome‑tanned and stored with a chromium concentration of about 2‑3 % and moisture around 30‑35 %.

What certifications should a buyer request?

Buyers typically request ISO 9001 quality‑management certification, REACH compliance documentation, and, for exotic skins, CITES permits; an MSDS for chemical treatment is also standard.

What are typical sample sizes and testing standards?

A common sample is one full hide or a 5 kg portion; testing follows ISO 2089 (tensile strength) and ASTM D2137 (thickness) to verify quality.

What are the usual packaging and shipping methods?

Wet salted hides are packed in moisture‑controlled wooden crates, wet blue hides in sealed plastic drums, and shipments are usually in 20‑ft or 40‑ft containers from Spanish ports under FOB or CIF terms.

What lead times and order volumes are typical?

Lead times are generally 30‑45 days after order confirmation, with minimum orders ranging from 500 kg to full container loads of 5‑7 tons, depending on product and buyer requirements.