HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4202.21 – Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather
HS code 4202.21 is the 6-digit subheading for cases and containers, handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather. It is used for leather shoulder bags, leather tote bags, leather clutch bags, leather satchels and leather cross-body bags.
What HS 4202.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers handbags, including those with or without shoulder straps, where the outer surface is made of leather or composition leather. This represents a significant segment of the global fashion and luxury goods market, driven by brand prestige, design trends, and consumer demand for high-quality accessories. Major importers are typically countries with high purchasing power and sophisticated retail infrastructures, such as the USA, Japan, and European nations. Exporters are often countries renowned for their leather industries and luxury brand manufacturing, notably Italy, France, and Spain. Key factors in this trade include the authenticity and quality of the leather, artisanal craftsmanship, brand reputation, and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving fashion cycles.
- Covers
- Leather shoulder bags
- Leather tote bags
- Leather clutch bags
- Leather satchels
- Leather cross-body bags
- Leather hobos
- Leather doctor bags
- Examples
- Chanel Classic Flap Bag
- Hermès Birkin
- Louis Vuitton Speedy
- Gucci Marmont
- Prada Galleria
Codes often confused with 4202.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with 420231 (leather pocket/handbag articles) if the item is very small, or 420211 (leather suitcases) if it's a larger travel-oriented bag that might be carried like a handbag.
Import duty on HS code 420221 by country
Import duty on HS code 420221 ranges from 0% in Singapore to 25% in Mexico. The United States charges 5.3% – 10%, the EU 3% and the UK 2%.
| Country | Import duty | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 0% | WITS · 2023 |
| United Kingdom | 2% | UK Trade Tariff · live |
| European Union Germany, France, Italy | 3% | EU TARIC · live |
| United Arab Emirates GCC common tariff | 5% | WITS · 2023 |
| Australia | 5% | WITS · 2023 |
| United States 10% up to $20 per bag, 9% above; 5.3% for reptile leather. Extra duties apply to some origins. | 5.3% – 10% | US HTS · live |
| China | 6% | WITS · 2023 |
| South Korea | 8% | WITS · 2023 |
| Japan Depends on the type of leather | 8% – 16% | WITS · 2023 |
| Canada | 10% | WITS · 2023 |
| India | 15% | WITS · 2023 |
| Brazil Mercosur common tariff | 20% | WITS · 2023 |
| Mexico Raised from 20% in the Jan 2026 tariff reform. Goods that qualify under a Mexico trade deal (with proof of origin) may get a lower rate. | 25% | Mexico LIGIE · 2026 |
MFN rate: what a country charges goods from WTO members when no trade deal applies. Trade-deal rates can be lower. Not included: VAT/GST, anti-dumping duties and other extra tariffs. Confirm with the official source before you ship. Checked .
Top exporters and importers of HS code 420221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 420221 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 France $6.3B 33% of world exports
- 2 Italy $5.5B 29% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $950M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $18.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3B 12% of world imports
- 2 China $2.2B 11% of world imports
- 3 France $1.5B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $18.8B 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 code for 4202.21
Brazil does not split HS 4202.21: its NCM code is 4202.21.00.
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 4202.21
What is HS code 420221?
HS code 420221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather. This HS code specifically covers handbags, including those with or without shoulder straps, where the outer surface is made of leather or composition leather. This represents a significant segment of the global fashion and luxury goods market, driven by brand prestige, design trends, and consumer demand for high-quality accessories. Major importers are typically countries with high purchasing power and sophisticated retail infrastructures, such as the USA, Japan, and European nations. Exporters are often countries renowned for their leather industries and luxury brand manufacturing, notably Italy, France, and Spain. Key factors in this trade include the authenticity and quality of the leather, artisanal craftsmanship, brand reputation, and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving fashion cycles.
What products fall under HS code 420221?
Leather shoulder bags, leather tote bags, leather clutch bags, leather satchels, leather cross-body bags, leather hobos, leather doctor bags
What are common misclassifications for HS code 420221?
Can be confused with 420231 (leather pocket/handbag articles) if the item is very small, or 420211 (leather suitcases) if it's a larger travel-oriented bag that might be carried like a handbag.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 420221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 420221 in UN Comtrade data were France ($6.3B, 33% of world exports), Italy ($5.5B) and Hong Kong ($950M). World exports came to about $18.8B, 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 420221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 420221 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3B, 12% of world imports), China ($2.2B) and France ($1.5B). World imports came to about $18.8B, 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.
What is the import duty for HS code 420221?
Import duty on HS code 420221 ranges from 0% in Singapore to 25% in Mexico. The United States charges 5.3% – 10%, the EU 3% and the UK 2%. These are standard (MFN) rates; trade-deal rates can be lower, and VAT/GST is charged on top.
How is HS code 420221 structured?
HS code 420221 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 420221?
In Brazil, HS code 420221 is NCM 4202.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.