Product classification
HS code for Fiberboard luggage: 4202.19
Cases and containers, trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper.
Classification of fiberboard luggage under HS 4202.19
Fiberboard luggage is classified under HS code 4202.19 based on the material composition of the outer surface and the structural core. Heading 4202 covers a wide range of containers, including trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, and similar items. The subheadings under 4202 are organized by the material of the outer surface. Subheading 4202.11 is reserved for items with an outer surface of leather or composition leather, while 4202.12 covers those with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. Subheading 4202.19 acts as the residual category, specifically including containers made of vulcanised fibre or paperboard, or those covered with paper. Vulcanised fibre is a tough, resilient material made by treating cellulose with zinc chloride, often used in traditional heavy-duty trunks. Paperboard, while lighter, provides the structural rigidity for many types of budget-friendly or vintage-style luggage. The classification remains 4202.19 even if the fiberboard is reinforced with metal corners or wooden slats, provided the predominant material of the container walls is fiberboard or paperboard. This classification is essential for customs as it distinguishes between high-value leather goods and industrial or paper-based containers.
- Covers
- Vulcanised fibre suitcases
- Paperboard trunks
- Fiberboard executive cases
- School satchels made of paperboard
- Fiberboard vanity cases
- Briefcases with vulcanised fibre shells
- Also under 4202.19
- Globe-Trotter vulcanized fibre luggage
- vintage Samsonite Streamlite
- specialized archival boxes
- decorative hat boxes
Codes often confused with 4202.19
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 4202.12, which covers luggage with an outer surface of plastics or textiles. If a fiberboard case is covered with a layer of plastic or fabric, it may be classified under 4202.12 depending on which material gives the item its essential character. It is also confused with 4823.90 for general paperboard articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420219 (the code used for fiberboard luggage), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420219 (the code used for fiberboard luggage) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 38% 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 420219, not only fiberboard luggage.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $200M 38% of world exports
- 2 China $84M 16% of world exports
- 3 Canada $36M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $532M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $92M 12% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $38M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $34M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $751M 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 fiberboard luggage
Brazil classifies fiberboard luggage under NCM 4202.19.00: HS 4202.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fiberboard luggage
What is the HS code for Fiberboard luggage?
The HS code for Fiberboard luggage is 420219 (Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper). The HS code for luggage made of vulcanised fibre or paperboard is 4202.19.
How do I classify Fiberboard luggage for customs?
Fiberboard luggage is classified under HS code 420219 — Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the luggage has a plastic coating?
If the outer surface is predominantly plastic, it should be classified under 4202.12. However, if the plastic is merely a thin protective layer over a fiberboard body, 4202.19 may still apply.
Which countries are the top exporters of fiberboard luggage (HS 420219)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420219 (the code used for fiberboard luggage) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($200M, 38% of world exports), China ($84M) and Canada ($36M). World exports came to about $532M, 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 fiberboard luggage (HS 420219)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420219 (the code used for fiberboard luggage) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($92M, 12% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($38M) and Germany ($34M). World imports came to about $751M, 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 Fiberboard luggage the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420219 for Fiberboard luggage 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 fiberboard luggage in Brazil?
In Brazil, fiberboard luggage (HS 420219) is classified under NCM 4202.19.00.