HS Code for Equine wet-blue

Equine wet-blue is classified under HS code 4104.19. This classification is based on the product being a tanned hide of an equine animal, without hair, in a wet state. The term 'wet-blue' refers to hides that have been chrome-tanned, resulting in a characteristic blue tint from the chromium salts, and are still moist. Heading 4104 covers bovine and equine hides and skins that are tanned or crust but not further prepared. Subheading 4104.19 specifically captures those in the wet state (including wet-blue) that are not full grains unsplit. This means it includes grain splits or other processed hides that have not reached the 'crust' (dry) stage or the 'further prepared' (finished) stage. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1 and 6, focusing on the animal type and the specific chemical state of the hide following the tanning process but prior to drying and finishing.

Products Included

• Chrome-tanned horse hides in wet state
• Wet-blue equine grain splits
• Tanned pony skins, wet state, excluding full grains
• Equine hides in the wet state, tanned but not yet dried

Common Misclassification

Equine wet-blue is often misclassified under 4101.20 or 4101.50, which are codes for raw hides. However, once the tanning process (such as chrome tanning) has begun, the product must move to heading 4104. It is also confused with 4104.11, which is reserved for full grains, unsplit. If the hide has been split into layers, it must be classified under 4104.19. Furthermore, if the leather is dried (crust), it should be classified under 4104.49 rather than the wet-state code 4104.19.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Equine wet-blue?

The HS code for equine wet-blue hides, specifically those that are not full grains unsplit, is 4104.19.

What is the difference between wet-blue and crust leather?

Wet-blue (4104.19) refers to hides that are still moist after chrome tanning, while crust leather (4104.49) refers to hides that have been tanned and then dried but not yet finished.