HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 46 – Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork
What HS 46 covers
HS Chapter 46 encompasses 'Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork.' This chapter is crucial for classifying finished articles created by weaving, plaiting, or otherwise working with natural plaiting materials. Its scope is broad, covering a range of products from simple mats to intricate basketry, but it specifically excludes raw plaiting materials (covered in Chapter 14) and articles where the plaiting material serves merely as a component of an item primarily classified elsewhere, such as furniture (Chapter 94) or headgear (Chapter 65). The primary distinction lies in whether the article is a direct manufacture of plaiting materials, primarily serving as basketware or wickerwork, or if it's a more complex item where the plaiting material is secondary. Key sub-categories include heading 4601 for plaits and similar products, often in strips or sheets, and heading 4602 for finished basketwork, wickerwork, and other articles made directly to shape. Correct classification under Chapter 46 is vital for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable duty rates, eligibility for preferential trade agreements (like GSP or FTAs), and adherence to import regulations, including potential phytosanitary requirements for certain natural materials. Historically, these goods often represent traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices, supporting artisan communities in many developing nations and catering to a global demand for natural, handcrafted home decor and accessories.
- Covers
- Woven straw mats
- Rattan storage baskets
- Wicker laundry hampers
- Bamboo placemats
- Raffia handbags
- Esparto area rugs
- Unfinished straw hat bodies
- Decorative wicker wall hangings
- Woven palm leaf storage boxes
- Bamboo fruit bowls
- Reed diffusers (the reed part)
- Straw animal figurines
- Corn husk door mats
- Seagrass planters
- Willow picnic baskets
- Jute macrame plant hangers
- Woven straw coasters
- Rattan magazine racks
- Bamboo room divider screens
- Decorative straw wreaths
- Woven straw bottle holders
- Wicker pet beds
- Raffia table runners
- Braided rush seat pads
- Examples
A US-based home decor retailer imports handmade wicker storage baskets from Vietnam, destined for their retail stores across the country. These baskets, classified under HS 4602.90, are shipped via ocean freight from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles. An Italian fashion boutique sources artisan raffia handbags from Madagascar, valued for their unique craftsmanship. These fashion accessories, falling under 4602.19, are typically air freighted from Antananarivo to Milan for quick market entry. A Japanese wholesaler imports woven bamboo placemats and coasters from China to cater to the growing demand for natural tableware. These items, classified under 4602.11 or 4602.19, are transported by sea from Shanghai to Tokyo. An Australian craft supplier imports decorative straw wreaths and figures from Indonesia for seasonal holiday sales, categorizing them under 4602.19. They are shipped by sea from Jakarta to Sydney. A Mexican furniture manufacturer imports woven rattan sheets, used for chair backs and seats, from the Philippines. These semi-finished materials are classified under 4601.29 or 4601.99 and arrive via ocean freight from Manila to Manzanillo.
Headings in chapter 46 2
Codes often confused with 46
Common mistake. Common misclassifications in Chapter 46 often arise from confusing raw materials with finished articles. Traders might incorrectly classify unprocessed plaiting materials (e.g., raw rattan canes) under Chapter 46, when they properly belong in Chapter 14 ('Vegetable plaiting materials; vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included'). Another frequent error involves classifying furniture made from plaiting materials (e.g., a rattan chair) under Chapter 46 instead of Chapter 94 ('Furniture'), as Chapter 46 is for basketware and wickerwork, not primary furniture. Similarly, finished headgear like straw hats ready for wear should be classified in Chapter 65 ('Headgear'), while only unfinished hat bodies or plaited strips for hat making fall under Chapter 46. The key is to assess the degree of manufacture and the primary function of the article.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 46, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 46 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 $1.2B 45% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$377M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $101M 3.8% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $614M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $179M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 France $154M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Questions about HS 46
What is HS code 46?
HS code 46 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork. HS Chapter 46 encompasses 'Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork.' This chapter is crucial for classifying finished articles created by weaving, plaiting, or otherwise working with natural plaiting materials. Its scope is broad, covering a range of products from simple mats to intricate basketry, but it specifically excludes raw plaiting materials (covered in Chapter 14) and articles where the plaiting material serves merely as a component of an item primarily classified elsewhere, such as furniture (Chapter 94) or headgear (Chapter 65). The primary distinction lies in whether the article is a direct manufacture of plaiting materials, primarily serving as basketware or wickerwork, or if it's a more complex item where the plaiting material is secondary. Key sub-categories include heading 4601 for plaits and similar products, often in strips or sheets, and heading 4602 for finished basketwork, wickerwork, and other articles made directly to shape. Correct classification under Chapter 46 is vital for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable duty rates, eligibility for preferential trade agreements (like GSP or FTAs), and adherence to import regulations, including potential phytosanitary requirements for certain natural materials. Historically, these goods often represent traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices, supporting artisan communities in many developing nations and catering to a global demand for natural, handcrafted home decor and accessories.
What products fall under HS code 46?
Woven straw mats, rattan storage baskets, wicker laundry hampers, bamboo placemats, raffia handbags, esparto area rugs, unfinished straw hat bodies, decorative wicker wall hangings, woven palm leaf storage boxes, bamboo fruit bowls, reed diffusers (the reed part), straw animal figurines, corn husk door mats, seagrass planters, willow picnic baskets, jute macrame plant hangers, woven straw coasters, rattan magazine racks, bamboo room divider screens, decorative straw wreaths, woven straw bottle holders, wicker pet beds, raffia table runners, braided rush seat pads
What are common misclassifications for HS code 46?
Common misclassifications in Chapter 46 often arise from confusing raw materials with finished articles. Traders might incorrectly classify unprocessed plaiting materials (e.g., raw rattan canes) under Chapter 46, when they properly belong in Chapter 14 ('Vegetable plaiting materials; vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included'). Another frequent error involves classifying furniture made from plaiting materials (e.g., a rattan chair) under Chapter 46 instead of Chapter 94 ('Furniture'), as Chapter 46 is for basketware and wickerwork, not primary furniture. Similarly, finished headgear like straw hats ready for wear should be classified in Chapter 65 ('Headgear'), while only unfinished hat bodies or plaited strips for hat making fall under Chapter 46. The key is to assess the degree of manufacture and the primary function of the article.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 46?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 46 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 45% of world exports), Vietnam (about $377M) and the Netherlands ($101M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 46?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 46 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($614M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($179M) and France ($154M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 46 structured?
HS code 46 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.