Product classification
HS code for De-wooled sheepskins: 4102.21
Skins, raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on.
Classification of de-wooled sheepskins under HS 4102.21
De-wooled sheepskins are classified under HS code 4102.21. This code specifically applies to raw skins of sheep or lambs that have had the wool removed and have undergone the pickling process. Pickling is a preservation method using acid and salt to stabilize the skins for transport or storage before tanning. The classification is determined by the state of the skin: it must be "raw" (not yet tanned or parchment-dressed) and "without wool on." Chapter 41 covers raw hides and skins, and the subheadings are strictly divided based on whether the wool is present and the specific preservation method used. HS code 4102.21 is reserved for pickled skins, which is a distinct stage in leather production where the skin is chemically treated to prevent putrefaction but has not yet undergone the irreversible chemical change of tanning. This classification follows the General Rules for Interpretation by identifying the specific animal origin and the specific state of preservation.
- Covers
- Pickled sheepskins without wool
- Pickled lambskins without wool
- De-wooled raw sheepskins in brine
- Acid-treated raw sheepskins (pre-tanning)
- Also under 4102.21
- Pickled pelts from New Zealand lamb
- Australian sheep
- Spanish lamb
Codes often confused with 4102.21
Common mistake. De-wooled sheepskins are often misclassified under HS code 4102.10, which is for sheepskins with the wool still attached (in the wool). Another common error is classifying them under HS code 4105.10, which is for sheepskins that have already been tanned (wet-blue or crust leather). The distinction between "pickled" (4102.21) and "tanned" (4105.10) is critical, as tanning involves a permanent stabilization of the collagen fibers that pickling does not achieve. Additionally, if the skins are fresh or wet-salted rather than pickled, they may fall under 4102.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 410221 (the code used for de-wooled sheepskins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 410221 (the code used for de-wooled sheepskins) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 42% 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 410221, not only de-wooled sheepskins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $12M 18% of world exports
- 2 Spain $11M 15% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $9.4M 14% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $40M 42% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $15M 16% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $12M 13% of world imports
World total: $95M 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 de-wooled sheepskins
Brazil classifies de-wooled sheepskins under NCM 4102.21.00: HS 4102.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about de-wooled sheepskins
What is the HS code for De-wooled sheepskins?
The HS code for De-wooled sheepskins is 410221 (Skins; raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on). The HS code for pickled, de-wooled sheepskins is 4102.21.
How do I classify De-wooled sheepskins for customs?
De-wooled sheepskins is classified under HS code 410221 — Skins; raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between pickled and tanned skins?
Pickled skins (4102.21) are temporarily preserved with acid and salt, whereas tanned skins (4105) have undergone a permanent chemical process to turn the skin into leather.
Which countries are the top exporters of de-wooled sheepskins (HS 410221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 410221 (the code used for de-wooled sheepskins) in UN Comtrade data were China ($12M, 18% of world exports), Spain ($11M) and South Africa ($9.4M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 de-wooled sheepskins (HS 410221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 410221 (the code used for de-wooled sheepskins) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($40M, 42% of world imports), Indonesia ($15M) and Pakistan ($12M). World imports came to about $95M, 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 De-wooled sheepskins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 410221 for De-wooled sheepskins 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 de-wooled sheepskins in Brazil?
In Brazil, de-wooled sheepskins (HS 410221) is classified under NCM 4102.21.00.