CEN/TC 289/WG1 & 2 & 3: N082
IULTCS/ IUC, IUP & IUF: N082

Combined CEN and IULTCS Meeting of:
CEN TC 289 WG1, WG2, and WG3
&
IUC, IUP and IUF Commissions
Thursday, 18th January 2007.
at EMPA
St Gallen, Switzerland.

General Issues related to IU Commissions and CEN Working Groups

1. Welcome and agreement of agenda.
Dr Long welcomed the delegates to EMPA, and thanked EMPA and Mr Frey for hosting the
meeting.

The circulated agenda (document N071) was agreed.

2. Attendance and apologies.
The following people were in attendance:

Dr Amanda Long – UK (Convenor CEN TC 289 WG1 & IULTCS IUC Commission)
Dr Campbell Page – Switzerland (Convenor CEN TC 289 WG3 & IULTCS IUF Commission)
Mrs Elena Mocchio - (Secretary CEN TC 289)
Mrs Elisabetta Scaglia – Italy
Mr Rosario Mascolo - Italy
Mr Gianluigi Calvanese – Italy
Mr Gianpiero Comite - Italy
Dr Jose Adzet – Spain
Mr Sora Gerhard - Germany
Mrs Renate Meyndt – Germany
Mr Felix Frey - Switzerland
Mr Mike Wilson – UK
Mr Robert Painter - UK
Dr Haiko Schulz – Germany
Mrs Nathalie Hunbert – France
Dr Jean Claude Cannot – France
Mrs Ann-Laure Hans – France
Mrs Christina Eforakopoulou - Greece
Mr David Blair – Switzerland
Mrs Sabine Dickhaut-Gudemann - Switzerland

Apologies were received from:
Mr Richard Turner - UK
Mrs Marjorie Hanson - USA
Dr Tim Allsop / Tony Passman – New Zealand
Dr Kerstin Schulte - Germany
Mrs Elena Albert – Spain
Dr Nick Cory – USA
Mrs Chellappa Muralidharan – India
Mr Stefan Rydin – Denmark
Dr Henri Gardere - Netherlands
Luisa Izquierdo - Spain
Joan Barenys - Spain
Agustín Marsal - Spain
Patricia Casey - Argentina
Lina Jusiene - Lithuania
Katia Fernanda Streit - Brazil
Jens Fennen - Switzerland

3. Minutes of the last meeting.
The minutes of the last meeting held at UNI - Milan in September 2006 were circulated prior to
this meeting (Document N069) and were agreed by the delegates.

4. General IU Commission / CEN TC 289 WG business – Part1.
Dr Long confirmed to the committee that Dr Hudson’s resignation as convenor of WG 2 and
IUP had been received.
Dr Long also announced with regret her resignation as convenor of WG 1 and IUC. This
decision is due to a move to the cosmetics industry. Dr Long thanked the committee for all
their support over the past years.
Discussions took place with regards to the process for replacing the two vacant positions, and
Mrs Mocchio agreed to circulate a call for nominations with further discussion to take place at
the next plenary meeting of TC 289 in March.
Mrs Meyndt proposed that the TC 289 committee consider merging the WG2 and WG3
working groups, due to the small level of activity in WG3. Following discussion it was agreed
to propose this to the plenary meeting in March.


Meeting of TC 289 WG1 and IULTCS IUC Commission

5. Information on progress of current methods,
Dr Long opened the meeting discussing the progress of current test methods.

5.1 pr EN ISO 5398 – 2 | IUC 8 – Part 2 – Determination of chromic oxide -
Colorimetric Method
This method is currently awaiting circulation for DIS / Enquiry. The committee are awaiting
notification of ballot dates. There was no further discussion of this method.
Enquiry/ DIS documents – comments available for discussion

5.2 prEN ISO DIS 17226-1 | IUC 19 – Determination of Formaldehyde content in
leather by HPLC
The results obtained from the DIS / Enquiry of this method were discussed and the
amendments agreed. The committee agreed that the document (once corrected) should be
circulated for Final Vote / FDIS.
In addition it was agreed to include the definition of the type of formaldehyde being
determined by the method (free or released formaldehyde), but the inclusion of a detection
limit was not considered appropriate at this time due to the lack of appropriate data.

5.3 prEN ISO DIS 17226-2 | IUC 19 – Determination of Formaldehyde content in
leather by colourimetric analysis
The results obtained from the DIS / Enquiry of this method were discussed and the
amendments agreed. The committee agreed that the document (once corrected) should be
circulated for Final Vote / FDIS.
As discussed for the colourimetric formaldehyde method it was agreed to include the definition
of the type of formaldehyde being determined by the method (free or released formaldehyde),
but the inclusion of a detection limit was not considered appropriate at this time due to the lack
of appropriate data.

5.4 EN ISO 4044 | IUC 3 – Preparation of chemical test samples
The results obtained from the DIS / Enquiry of this method were discussed and the
appropriate amendments agreed. The committee agreed that the document (once corrected)
should be circulated for Final Vote / FDIS

5.5 EN ISO 4048 | IUC 4 – Determination of Substances Soluble in Dichloromethane
The results obtained from the DIS / Enquiry of this method were discussed and the
appropriate amendments agreed. The committee agreed that the document (once corrected)
should be circulated for Final Vote / FDIS

5.6 EN ISO 4045 | IUC 11 – Determination of pH value
The results obtained from the DIS / Enquiry of this method were discussed and the
appropriate amendments agreed. The committee agreed that the document (once corrected)
should be circulated for Final Vote / FDIS. The committee also agreed that the title should
include reference to the determination of the difference figure.

Documents currently in Final Vote/FDIS stage

5.7 prEN ISO DIS 17075 | IUC 18 – Determination of Chromium VI content
This method is currently awaiting circulation for FDIS / Final vote and the dates are yet to be
notified. Some comments had been received from Germany and Italy. These were presented
to the committee for information; however at this stage in the proceedings it is not appropriate
to make any modifications to the document.
Mrs Meyndt made the committee aware of work being carried out by the IEC committee
dealing with the methods of analysis required by the RoHS Directive. Within this committee
methods for the determination of chromium VI in leather are being discussed and they do not
appear to be aware of the work of TC 289. It was agreed that Mrs Mocchio write a letter to the
committee concerned to request that chromium VI analysis of leather is carried out using the
method ISO 17075 (once published).
Dr Cannot agreed to notify the CEN committee for safety gloves of the timescale for the
potential publication of this standard.

5.8 pr EN ISO 5398 – 1 | IUC 8 – Part 1 – Chemical determination of chromic oxide -
Quantification by titration.

5.9 pr EN ISO 5398 – 3 | IUC 8 – Part 3 – Determination of chromic oxide - Atomic
Absorption Method

5.10 pr EN ISO 5398 – 4 | IUC 8 – Part 4 – Determination of chromic oxide -
Inductively Coupled Plasma

These methods are currently awaiting circulation for FDIS / Final Vote. Dates have not been
notified to the committee.

6. Discussion on active work items

6.1 CEN ISO TS 17234:2003 | IUC 20 - Determination of Azo colourants in dyed
leather.
Prior to the meeting Dr Long circulated information requested by the committee regarding the
results of the EC funded AALARM project. The current Technical Specification is due for
review and Mrs Mocchio indicated that the decision on how to progress would need to be
taken at the next plenary meeting (with the support of WG1).
Dr Cannot proposed that the committee initiate the process to convert the current method to a
full EN / ISO standard. Dr Shultz was concerned that the EC would reject this method in light
of the presence of the newly developed AALARM method (although it is recognised by the
committee that there are some technical issues regarding this new method). It was proposed
by the committee to initiate the process to develop the TC 17234:2003 as a full CEN / ISO
standard, but to include a reference to the AALARM project HPLC method findings as a
bibliographic reference.
Note: subsequently to the meeting Dr Long has determined that the reports currently available
from the AALARM project are considered confidential. It would therefore be necessary for a
partner of the AALARM project to prepare a publishable document related to the routine
method development for reference in the standard.

6.2 WI00289093 Determination of formaldehyde content in leather processing
chemicals

This method was supplied by Mrs Meyndt for consideration. Mrs Meyndt is in the process of
arranging ring trials to provide reproducibility data regarding the method. It is intended that
the results from this will be available by the next meeting. Mrs Mocchio highlighted that this
method is due to be circulated to Enquiry / DIS by March 2007, and therefore it is necessary
to apply for a 9 month extension to this project.

7. Allergens in leather
Dr Long circulated a draft document which includes a number of chemical substances which
require discussion. It was agreed by the committee to await the appointment of the new
convenor before continuing with this project.

8. Proposals for new work items

8.1 Determination of extractable total chromium
Dr Long circulated a draft document (N075) for the committee to consider. This is based on a
method supplied by UNI. The committee proposed splitting this method in 2 parts; Part 1 for
the determination of extractable total chromium and Part 2 for total heavy metals. Mrs Scaglia
agreed to provide additional details for Part 2 and Dr Schulz agreed to assist with reviewing
the document. Dr Cannot commented that a description of the ICP or AA analytical methods
and conditions is not necessary within the document as other standards already exist for this
purpose. Dr Page agreed to put the draft into ISO/CEN format taking into account the above
decisions.

8.2 Determination of organotin compounds in leather
At a previous meeting a method submitted by Mr Turner was circulated. Italy have also
agreed to send details of the method used by SSIP for the committee to consider (This should
be available in approx. 4 weeks). This item will therefore be discussed further at the next
meeting.

8.3 Nonylphenol ethoxylates
Dr Long circulated a draft document supplied by Italy (N076) for consideration by the
committee. It was agreed to await the appointment of the new convenor before continuing
with this project.

8.4 Biocides
Dr Cannot supplied a document for the committee’s information. This was circulated (N073),
however no further action is required on this item at present.

8.5 Any other proposals
There were no additional items for discussion at present.

9. Any other business
There were no additional items for discussion and so Dr Long closed the meeting of CEN TC
289 WG 1 and the IUC commission.
Meeting of TC 289 WG2 and IULTCS IUP Commission
Dr Page welcomed the committee to the meeting of CEN TC 289 WG2 and IULTCS IUP
Commission. It was agreed by the committee for Dr Page to chair this section of the meeting
in the absence of a convenor for this work group.

10 Progress of Current test methods,

10.1 EN ISO DIS 26081 | IUP 50 – Determination of Soiling for domestic and contract
upholstery leather
At the last meeting comments received from the CEN Enquiry and ISO DIS were discussed by
the committee and modifications to the document agreed. As a result of this some additional
information was supplied to Dr Long by Mr Turner, but insufficient time was available to make
the modifications. It was agreed by the committee that this method should be progressed by
the person appointed as convenor to this committee. Mr Wilson said that Satra could assist
where necessary to provide information required for this document.
Mrs Mocchio noted that this method is due to be circulated to a formal vote by March 2007,
and therefore it is necessary to apply for a 9 month extension to this project.

10.2 EN ISO DIS 26082 | Draft IUP 53 – Determination of Soiling for automotive
leather

A revised document based on comments received from the CEN Enquiry and ISO DIS was
circulated to the committee. While the Enquiry/DIS had no significant comments, the
automotive industry is now also using a larger soiling holder on the Martindale apparatus.
Therefore it was proposed to include in the document an additional option to allow the use the
larger pilling head for soiling. It was noted that the stroke for the Lissajous figure needs
changing. It was agreed that the document circulated shortly before the meeting would be
modified according to the discussions and this would be circulated to the committee for
approval prior to submitting for FDIS / Final Vote.

10.3 EN ISO DIS 23910 | IUP 44 – Measurement of stitch tear resistance
This method is currently out for Final vote / FDIS. Voting closes on the 22nd February.

11. Proposal for new work items

11.1 Dynamic water resistance of shoe upper leather by the Maeser water penetration
tester
Mr Turner has supplied a first working draft for the dynamic water resistance method currently
used at SATRA for the committee to consider. The document was circulated shortly before the
meeting.
The document uses visual detection of the end-point. At the request by e-mail from Mr Turner,
the committee were asked whether visual or electronic evaluation of the end-point should be
used. Those using the Maeser method commented that they were using both detection
methods, so the committee agreed that the option for both should be included. Mr Turner has
offered to include the electronic detection using a sodium chloride solution.
Mr Turner also requested committee members to check their machines with the specifications
outlined in the working draft to see if they agree. Dr Page offered to put the current text into
CEN / ISO format. The document will be further discussed at the next meeting.

11.2 Other new work items
No other new work items were suggested.

12. Any other business
Discussion of conditioning proposals from ISO TC 120
The committee were informed that the issues regarding the potential addition of ‘tropical
conditions’ to testing methods is appearing in many other testing committees. Dr Cannot
reported that at the joint meeting of the CEN and ISO TCs for Footwear, the Indian delegation
was requested to supply data indicating that the proposed conditions would not have any
adverse effect on testing results.
Discussion of TC 120 proposal for a Leather Vocabulary
Dr Shultz inquired who in CEN TC 289 is responsible for the parallel work item to the TC 120
Leather Vocabulary project. Mrs Mocchio informed the committee that this topic is within the
remit of WG4, which is currently chaired by Italy. However, there has been no request for a
parallel work item.
Dr Page indicated that the recent ISO TC 120 proposal is for the acceptance of it as a new
work item, so there will be chances to comment on this document.
Dr Page then concluded the meeting of TC 289 WG2 and IULTCS IUP commission.

Meeting of TC 289 WG3 and IULTCS IUF Commission

Dr Page welcomed the committee to the meeting of CEN TC 289 WG3 and IULTCS IUF
Commission.

13. Progress of current methods

13.1 EN ISO 11643 | IUF 434 – Colour fastness of small samples to solvent solutions

13.2 EN ISO 11644 | IUF 470 – Determination of adhesion of finish to leather
These documents have been sent to CEN and ISO for Enquiry and DIS. The deadlines for
submission of votes and comments are 7th and 14th May 2007.

14. Proposals for new work items
No other new work items were suggested.

General business - IU Commission / CEN TC 289 WG

15. Confirmation of the resolutions
The 11 resolutions passed during the meeting were read out and approved by the committee.

16. Vote of thanks for Dr Amanda Long
On behalf of the committees Dr Page expressed the sincere thanks for the tremendous effort
and work that Amanda Long has put into the CEN, ISO and IULTCS committees over the past
7 years. She will be missed by all. Everyone wished Amanda well in her new career outside of
the leather industry. A card and token of appreciation were handed over at the dinner.

17. Date and Location of Next Meeting.
The next meeting will be held at CTC in France, the date was set provisionally for the 25th
September 2007. Dr Long and Dr Page then closed the meeting, thanking all for attending
and EMPA for their kind hospitality.

 

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