Product classification
HS code for Leather handbags: 4202.21
Cases and containers, handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather.
Classification of leather handbags under HS 4202.21
Leather handbags are classified under HS code 4202.21 based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Heading 4202 covers a wide range of containers, including travel goods, vanity cases, and similar items. Subheading 4202.21 specifically identifies handbags, whether or not with a shoulder strap, including those without a handle, provided the outer surface is made of leather or composition leather. The classification is determined by the material of the outer surface, which must be the predominant component by surface area. Even if the interior lining or internal reinforcements are made of textiles or plastics, the leather exterior dictates the 4202.21 classification. Composition leather, which consists of leather fibers bonded together, is treated identically to genuine hide leather for the purposes of this specific code. It is essential to distinguish these from items intended for travel or tool storage, as the primary function must be that of a handbag used for carrying personal effects.
- Covers
- Genuine bovine leather tote bags
- Sheepskin leather clutches
- Crossbody bags with leather outer shells
- Composition leather satchels
- Leather evening bags without handles
- Designer leather handbags with shoulder straps
- Also under 4202.21
- Chanel Classic Flap Bag
- Hermès Birkin
- Louis Vuitton Speedy
- Gucci Marmont
- Prada Galleria
Codes often confused with 4202.21
Common mistake. Leather handbags are frequently misclassified under 4202.22, which is reserved for handbags with outer surfaces of plastic sheeting or textile materials. Another common error is using 4202.11, which covers trunks and suitcases; while both are leather containers, 4202.11 is for larger travel luggage rather than personal handbags. Additionally, if the bag is made of 100% synthetic leather (polyurethane), it must be classified under 4202.22, not 4202.21.
Import duty on leather handbags (HS 420221) by country
Import duty on leather handbags (HS 420221) ranges from 0% in Singapore to 25% in Mexico. The United States charges 5.3% – 10%, the EU 3% and the UK 2%.
| Country | Import duty | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 0% | WITS · 2023 |
| United Kingdom | 2% | UK Trade Tariff · live |
| European Union Germany, France, Italy | 3% | EU TARIC · live |
| United Arab Emirates GCC common tariff | 5% | WITS · 2023 |
| Australia | 5% | WITS · 2023 |
| United States 10% up to $20 per bag, 9% above; 5.3% for reptile leather. Extra duties apply to some origins. | 5.3% – 10% | US HTS · live |
| China | 6% | WITS · 2023 |
| South Korea | 8% | WITS · 2023 |
| Japan Depends on the type of leather | 8% – 16% | WITS · 2023 |
| Canada | 10% | WITS · 2023 |
| India | 15% | WITS · 2023 |
| Brazil Mercosur common tariff | 20% | WITS · 2023 |
| Mexico Raised from 20% in the Jan 2026 tariff reform. Goods that qualify under a Mexico trade deal (with proof of origin) may get a lower rate. | 25% | Mexico LIGIE · 2026 |
MFN rate: what a country charges goods from WTO members when no trade deal applies. Trade-deal rates can be lower. Not included: VAT/GST, anti-dumping duties and other extra tariffs. Confirm with the official source before you ship. Checked .
Top exporters and importers of HS 420221 (the code used for leather handbags), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420221 (the code used for leather handbags) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 33% 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 420221, not only leather handbags.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $6.3B 33% of world exports
- 2 Italy $5.5B 29% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $950M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $18.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3B 12% of world imports
- 2 China $2.2B 11% of world imports
- 3 France $1.5B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $18.8B 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 handbags
Brazil classifies leather handbags under NCM 4202.21.00: HS 4202.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leather handbags
What is the HS code for Leather handbags?
The HS code for Leather handbags is 420221 (Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather). The primary HS code for handbags with an outer surface of leather or composition leather is 4202.21.
How do I classify Leather handbags for customs?
Leather handbags is classified under HS code 420221 — Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include bags made of imitation leather?
No, bags made of imitation or synthetic leather (such as PU or PVC) are classified under HS code 4202.22, as they are considered plastic sheeting or textile materials.
What is the import duty on leather handbags?
Import duty on leather handbags (HS 420221) ranges from 0% in Singapore to 25% in Mexico. The United States charges 5.3% – 10%, the EU 3% and the UK 2%. These are standard (MFN) rates; trade-deal rates can be lower, and VAT/GST is charged on top.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather handbags (HS 420221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420221 (the code used for leather handbags) in UN Comtrade data were France ($6.3B, 33% of world exports), Italy ($5.5B) and Hong Kong ($950M). World exports came to about $18.8B, 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 handbags (HS 420221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420221 (the code used for leather handbags) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3B, 12% of world imports), China ($2.2B) and France ($1.5B). World imports came to about $18.8B, 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 handbags the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420221 for Leather 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 leather handbags in Brazil?
In Brazil, leather handbags (HS 420221) is classified under NCM 4202.21.00.