Product classification
HS code for Leather briefcases: 4202.11
Cases and containers, trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of leather or of composition leather.
Classification of leather briefcases under HS 4202.11
Leather briefcases are classified under HS code 4202.11. This classification is governed by the material of the outer surface and the intended use of the container. Chapter 42 covers articles of leather, saddlery, and travel goods. Heading 4202 includes a variety of containers such as trunks, suitcases, and executive cases. Subheading 4202.11 specifically identifies items with an outer surface of leather or composition leather. For classification purposes, composition leather is defined in Note 2 to Chapter 42 as material based on leather or leather fibers. The briefcase must be a structured container designed to hold documents, laptops, or professional equipment. The classification remains 4202.11 regardless of the internal lining material, provided the exterior is predominantly leather. This code is essential for customs valuation and trade statistics, ensuring that high-value leather goods are distinguished from those made of textiles or plastics. The rigidity of the briefcase often helps distinguish it from soft-sided messenger bags, though both may fall under leather goods if the exterior material matches the requirements.
- Covers
- Leather attaché cases
- Hard-sided leather briefcases
- Leather executive cases
- Leather school satchels
- Composition leather document cases
- Leather laptop briefcases
- Also under 4202.11
- Louis Vuitton Keepall
- Montblanc Meisterstück briefcase
- Tumi Alpha leather luggage
- Coach Metropolitan brief
- Rimowa Classic Leather
Codes often confused with 4202.11
Common mistake. Leather briefcases are often misclassified under 4202.12, which is reserved for cases with outer surfaces of plastics or textile materials. Another common error is using 4202.91, which is a residual category for other leather containers like tool bags or sports bags that do not fit the description of trunks or suitcases. If the item is a small leather folder without handles or a structured frame, it might be confused with 4202.31, which is for articles normally carried in the pocket or handbag.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420211 (the code used for leather briefcases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420211 (the code used for leather briefcases) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 8.6% 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 420211, not only leather briefcases.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $249M 28% of world exports
- 2 Italy $178M 20% of world exports
- 3 India $77M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $888M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $71M 8.6% of world imports
- 2 Germany $63M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 United States $60M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $831M 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 leather briefcases
Brazil classifies leather briefcases under NCM 4202.11.00: HS 4202.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leather briefcases
What is the HS code for Leather briefcases?
The HS code for Leather briefcases is 420211 (Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of leather or of composition leather). The HS code for briefcases with an outer surface of leather or composition leather is 4202.11.
How do I classify Leather briefcases for customs?
Leather briefcases is classified under HS code 420211 — Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of leather or of composition leather. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are leather laptop bags classified here?
If the laptop bag is designed in the style of a briefcase or executive case with a leather exterior, it is classified under 4202.11. Softer, non-structured laptop sleeves may fall under 4202.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather briefcases (HS 420211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420211 (the code used for leather briefcases) in UN Comtrade data were China ($249M, 28% of world exports), Italy ($178M) and India ($77M). World exports came to about $888M, 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 leather briefcases (HS 420211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420211 (the code used for leather briefcases) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($71M, 8.6% of world imports), Germany ($63M) and the United States ($60M). World imports came to about $831M, 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 Leather briefcases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420211 for Leather 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 leather briefcases in Brazil?
In Brazil, leather briefcases (HS 420211) is classified under NCM 4202.11.00.