Product classification
HS code for Briefcases: 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.
Classification of briefcases under HS 4202.12
Briefcases are classified under heading 4202, which covers a wide range of containers such as trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, and executive cases. The specific subheading for briefcases is determined by the material of the outer surface. HS code 4202.12 is used for briefcases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. This classification is based on the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 1 and 6, which look at the terms of the heading and subheadings. The "outer surface" rule is paramount; even if the internal frame is made of wood or metal, the material covering the exterior dictates the code. Briefcases in this category are typically designed for carrying documents, laptops, and professional equipment. They are distinguished from handbags or rucksacks by their shape, internal compartments, and intended use for business or school. The textile materials can include woven fabrics of synthetic fibers, while plastics often include PVC or polyurethane sheeting. Proper classification ensures the correct application of duties, which can vary significantly between leather and synthetic materials.
- Covers
- Plastic molded briefcases
- Polyester executive cases
- Nylon school satchels
- Textile document cases with handles
- Attache cases with plastic outer shells
- Also under 4202.12
- Samsonite Omni PC
- Delsey Chatelet Air
- Eastpak Padded Pak'r
- Osprey Farpoint
- American Tourister Moonlight
Codes often confused with 4202.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 4202.11, which is reserved for briefcases with an outer surface of leather or composition leather. Another error is using 4202.92, which covers bags like backpacks or shopping bags, rather than the rigid or semi-rigid "case" style of 4202.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420212 (the code used for briefcases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420212 (the code used for briefcases) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 420212, not only briefcases.
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 briefcases
Brazil splits HS 4202.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4202.12.10Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcases
- 4202.12.20Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcases
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about briefcases
What is the HS code for Briefcases?
The HS code for Briefcases is 420212 (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). Briefcases with an outer surface of plastic or textile materials are classified under HS code 4202.12.
How do I classify Briefcases for customs?
Briefcases is classified under HS code 420212 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the briefcase is made of leather?
If the outer surface is leather, composition leather, or patent leather, it must be classified under HS code 4202.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of briefcases (HS 420212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420212 (the code used for briefcases) 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 briefcases (HS 420212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420212 (the code used for briefcases) 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.
Is the HS code for Briefcases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420212 for Briefcases is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for briefcases in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 420212 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for briefcases depends on the product's details: 4202.12.10 (Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcases), 4202.12.20 (Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcases).