Product classification
HS code for Leather products: 4205.00
Leather articles, n.e.c. in chapter 42, of leather or composition leather.
Classification of leather products under HS 4205.00
HS code 4205.00 serves as a residual or \"basket\" category for articles made of leather or composition leather that are not specifically mentioned elsewhere in Chapter 42. According to the HS Explanatory Notes, this code is applied to articles that are not more specifically described in other headings, such as saddlery (4201), luggage and bags (4202), or apparel (4203). This classification is used when the item is a finished good but does not fit the definitions of containers or clothing. It ensures that miscellaneous leather items, such as specialized industrial components or decorative household articles, are captured within the leather goods chapter. The classification depends on the material composition—it must be leather or composition leather—and the absence of a more specific functional classification. This code is essential for ensuring that all leather-based manufactured goods are accounted for in trade statistics, even when they do not fit traditional categories of leathercraft. It is often used for technical items where the leather provides specific physical properties like heat resistance or durability.
- Covers
- Leather straps for machinery or industrial use
- Leather labels for clothing
- Leather knife sheaths and tool holsters
- Leather bookmarks and desk accessories
- Leather washers and gaskets
- Leather-covered jars or bottles
- Also under 4205.00
- Apple Watch leather bands
- Saddleback Leather Co. (some small accessories)
- various industrial leather belts
- custom leather tags
- artisanal leather goods
Codes often confused with 4205.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 4202, which covers containers like bags and cases. If a leather item is designed to hold or carry something, it likely belongs in 4202. Additionally, items are often wrongly placed in 4203, which is reserved for apparel and clothing accessories. For example, a leather belt is 4203.30, not 4205.00, because it is a clothing accessory.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420500 (the code used for leather products), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420500 (the code used for leather products) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 10% 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 420500, not only leather products.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $396M 17% of world exports
- 2 Italy $202M 8.9% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $165M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $232M 10% of world imports
- 2 Morocco $196M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Romania $151M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 products
Brazil classifies leather products under NCM 4205.00.00: HS 4205.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leather products
What is the HS code for Leather products?
The HS code for Leather products is 420500 (Leather articles; n.e.c. in chapter 42, of leather or composition leather). Miscellaneous leather products that do not fit into specific categories like bags or clothing are classified under HS code 4205.00.
How do I classify Leather products for customs?
Leather products is classified under HS code 420500 — Leather articles; n.e.c. in chapter 42, of leather or composition leather. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include leather furniture?
No, leather-covered furniture is generally classified under Chapter 94 (Furniture), as the classification follows the function of the item rather than just the surface material.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather products (HS 420500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420500 (the code used for leather products) in UN Comtrade data were China ($396M, 17% of world exports), Italy ($202M) and Hungary ($165M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 products (HS 420500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420500 (the code used for leather products) in UN Comtrade data were France ($232M, 10% of world imports), Morocco ($196M) and Romania ($151M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Leather products the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420500 for Leather products 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 products in Brazil?
In Brazil, leather products (HS 420500) is classified under NCM 4205.00.00.