HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4202.12 – Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials
HS code 4202.12 is the 6-digit subheading for cases and containers, trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials. It is used for hardshell suitcases, soft-sided luggage, nylon briefcases, polyester school backpacks and plastic vanity cases.
What HS 4202.12 covers
This HS code encompasses a vast and high-volume segment of the luggage market, including trunks, suitcases, briefcases, and school satchels with outer surfaces made from plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, ABS) or textile materials (e.g., nylon, polyester). This trade is driven by mass consumer travel, educational needs, and everyday utility, making it a global commodity. Importers are typically large retail chains, department stores, and e-commerce platforms worldwide, while exporters are predominantly large-scale manufacturers, with China being a dominant player. Key factors influencing trade include durability, lightweight design, aesthetic appeal, and competitive pricing, catering to a broad consumer base seeking practical and affordable travel solutions.
- Covers
- Hardshell suitcases
- Soft-sided luggage
- Nylon briefcases
- Polyester school backpacks
- Plastic vanity cases
- Textile travel bags
- ABS trunks
- Examples
- Samsonite Omni PC
- Delsey Chatelet Air
- Eastpak Padded Pak'r
- Osprey Farpoint
- American Tourister Moonlight
Codes often confused with 4202.12
Common mistake. Can be confused with 420211 (leather surface) if the material is a high-quality synthetic leather, or 420292 (other cases of plastic/textile) if the item is not clearly a trunk, suitcase, or similar container.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 420212, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 420212 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $11.4B 76% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $368M 2.4% of world exports
- 3 France $340M 2.3% of world exports
World total: $15.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $643M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $383M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $8.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 4202.12 2
Brazil splits HS 4202.12 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 4202.12.10 Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcasesDe plástico
- 4202.12.20 Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcasesDe matérias têxteis
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 42.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 4202.12
What is HS code 420212?
HS code 420212 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials. This HS code encompasses a vast and high-volume segment of the luggage market, including trunks, suitcases, briefcases, and school satchels with outer surfaces made from plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, ABS) or textile materials (e.g., nylon, polyester). This trade is driven by mass consumer travel, educational needs, and everyday utility, making it a global commodity. Importers are typically large retail chains, department stores, and e-commerce platforms worldwide, while exporters are predominantly large-scale manufacturers, with China being a dominant player. Key factors influencing trade include durability, lightweight design, aesthetic appeal, and competitive pricing, catering to a broad consumer base seeking practical and affordable travel solutions.
What products fall under HS code 420212?
Hardshell suitcases, soft-sided luggage, nylon briefcases, polyester school backpacks, plastic vanity cases, textile travel bags, ABS trunks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 420212?
Can be confused with 420211 (leather surface) if the material is a high-quality synthetic leather, or 420292 (other cases of plastic/textile) if the item is not clearly a trunk, suitcase, or similar container.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 420212?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 420212 in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.4B, 76% of world exports), Belgium ($368M) and France ($340M). World exports came to about $15.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 420212?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 420212 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 14% of world imports), Germany ($643M) and the United Kingdom ($383M). World imports came to about $8.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 420212 structured?
HS code 420212 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (42) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 420212?
Brazil splits HS code 420212 into 2 NCM codes: 4202.12.10 (Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcases), 4202.12.20 (Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcases). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.