Product classification

HS code for Handbags: 4202.22

Cases and containers, handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials.

Classification of handbags under HS 4202.22

Handbags with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials are classified under HS code 4202.22. Chapter 42 covers articles of leather, travel goods, and similar containers. Heading 4202 is broad, covering various types of cases and bags. Subheading 4202.22 is specifically defined by the material of the outer surface. If the bag's exterior is made of plastic (such as PVC or polyurethane) or any textile material (such as nylon, canvas, or silk), it falls here. This classification applies regardless of whether the bag has a shoulder strap or handles. The primary factor for classification is the composition of the external layer, which distinguishes it from leather bags (4202.21) or bags made of vulcanized fiber or paperboard (4202.29). The internal lining material does not affect this specific classification; only the outermost visible surface is considered for the 4202.22 designation.

Covers
  • Nylon handbags and shoulder bags
  • PVC and synthetic leather (PU) purses
  • Polyester tote bags
  • Canvas handbags
  • Satin evening bags
  • Microfiber cross-body bags
  • Textile clutch bags
  • Knitted or crocheted handbags
Also under 4202.22
  • Kate Spade Sam bag (nylon)
  • Longchamp Le Pliage
  • Kipling Gabbie
  • Coach Signature Canvas
  • Zara faux leather bags

Codes often confused with 4202.22

Common mistake. Handbags are often misclassified based on their appearance rather than their material. A synthetic bag that looks like leather but is made of plastic sheeting must be in 4202.22, not 4202.21 (which is for genuine leather). Another common error is confusing handbags with shopping bags made of paper (4819) or simple plastic bags (3923). Furthermore, if the bag is designed for a specific tool or instrument (like a camera bag), it might be classified under 4202.92 or 4202.99. Travel bags and suitcases are also distinct, falling under 4202.12 if they have a plastic or textile exterior.

4202.21Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather48.19Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like39.23Plastic articles for the conveyance or packing of goods; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures of plastics4202.92Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials4202.99Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper4202.12Cases 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

Top exporters and importers of HS 420222 (the code used for handbags), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420222 (the code used for handbags) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 420222, not only handbags.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $6.2B
  2. 2 France $3.7B
  3. 3 Italy $2.0B

World total: $18.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $2.1B
  2. 2 United States $1.7B
  3. 3 Italy $1.0B

World total: $15.0B 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 handbags

Brazil splits HS 4202.22 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about handbags

What is the HS code for Handbags?

The HS code for Handbags is 420222 (Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials).

How do I classify Handbags for customs?

Handbags is classified under HS code 420222 — Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for plastic or textile handbags?

The HS code for handbags with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials is 4202.22.

What if the handbag is made of genuine leather?

If the outer surface is genuine leather, composition leather, or patent leather, it should be classified under HS code 4202.21.

Which countries are the top exporters of handbags (HS 420222)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420222 (the code used for handbags) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.2B, 34% of world exports), France ($3.7B) and Italy ($2.0B). World exports came to about $18.2B, 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 handbags (HS 420222)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 420222 (the code used for handbags) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1B, 14% of world imports), the United States ($1.7B) and Italy ($1.0B). World imports 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.

Is the HS code for Handbags the same in all countries?

The base HS code 420222 for Handbags 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 handbags in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 420222 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for handbags depends on the product's details: 4202.22.10 (Handbags of plastic sheeting), 4202.22.20 (Handbags of textile materials).