Leather bag|HTS Code

Leather bag harmonized system code

Product Overview A "leather bag" classified under HTS 4202.21 is defined for U.S. customs as a handbag or similar portable container whose outer surface is of leather and which is designed principally to contain personal articles and to be carried by hand or shoulder. Key characteristics to describe for classification and compliance include external material type (full‑grain, top‑grain, corrected/split leather), nominal leather thickness (commonly 1.0–2.5 mm), finished outer treatment (aniline, pigmented, embossed), internal lining composition (cotton, polyester), structural details (stitched versus welded seams, edge binding), hardware specification (zippers, buckles — plated brass or stainless steel, tensile load ratings), typical dimensions (example 30 × 20 × 12 cm) and net weight ranges (0.4–1.5 kg). Processing levels include tanning, dyeing, finishing, cutting and assembly. Within 4202.21 commercial subcategories used by traders are differentiated by style (satchel, clutch, shoulder bag), finished leather type, presence/absence of shoulder straps, and national 8‑digit splits that further separate by material composition, value bands and specific finished treatments. Primary commercial uses are retail sale, duty‑free distribution, corporate procurement and aftermarket replacement inventory for retailers and resellers. HTS Code Classification & Trade Specifications Complete HTS structure for tariff and documentation: Chapter 42 (Articles of leather; saddlery and travel goods), Heading 4202 (Trunks, suitcases, handbags and similar containers with outer surface of leather or of composition leather), Subheading 4202.21 (handbags and similar articles with outer surface of leather) — reported to six digits as 4202.21. Classification rationale rests on outer surface material (leather) and the article’s function as a handbag/container; alternate materials or primary function (e.g., backpacks, wallets, travel trunks) trigger different headings. Trade considerations for import/export: commercial invoice must state HTS 4202.21, material breakdown, country of origin, unit value, net/gross weights and packaging counts; packing typically uses individual dust bags, sealed polyethylene bags and corrugated cartons, palletized and shrink‑wrapped for FCL/LCL. Preservation requirements include desiccant packets, humidity control during transport, and avoidance of hydrocarbon‑based finishes that attract solvents. Quality specifications commonly requested by buyers: nominal leather thickness (mm), strap load rating (kg), abrasion resistance (cycles), colorfastness to rubbing and tear/tensile strength; test results and certificate references are supplied to support customs valuation and regulatory compliance.

Leather bag Chapter Note

1.- For the purposes of this Chapter, the term “leather” includes chamois (including combination chamois) leather, patent leather, patent laminated leather and metallised leather. 2.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Sterile surgical catgut or similar sterile suture materials (heading 30.06); (b) Articles of apparel or clothing accessories (except gloves, mittens and mitts), lined with furskin or artificial fur or to which furskin or artificial fur is attached on the outside except as mere trimming (heading 43.03 or 43.04); (c) Made up articles of netting (heading 56.08); (d) Articles of Chapter 64; (e) Headgear or parts thereof of Chapter 65; (f) Whips, riding-crops or other articles of heading 66.02; (g) Cuff-links, bracelets or other imitation jewellery (heading 71.17); (h) Fittings or trimmings for harness, such as stirrups, bits, horse brasses and buckles, separately presented (generally Section XV); (ij) Strings, skins for drums or the like, or other parts of musical instruments (heading 92.09); (k) Articles of Chapter 94 (for example, furniture, luminaires and lighting fittings); (l) Articles of Chapter 95 (for example, toys, games, sports requisites); or (m) Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, press-studs, button moulds or other parts of these articles, button blanks, of heading 96.06. 3.- (A) In addition to the provisions of Note 2 above, heading 42.02 does not cover : (a) Bags made of sheeting of plastics, whether or not printed, with handles, not designed for prolonged use (heading 39.23); (b) Articles of plaiting materials (heading 46.02). (B) Articles of headings 42.02 and 42.03 which have parts of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal, of natural or cultured pearls, of precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed) remain classified in those headings even if such parts constitute more than minor fittings or minor ornamentation, provided that these parts do not give the articles their essential character. If, on the other hand, the parts give the articles their essential character, the articles are to be classified in Chapter 71. 4.- For the purposes of heading 42.03, the expression “articles of apparel and clothing accessories” applies, inter alia, to gloves, mittens and mitts (including those for sport or for protection), aprons and other protective clothing, braces, belts, bandoliers and wrist straps, but excluding watch straps (heading 91.13).