Product classification
HS code for Leather purses: 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 purses under HS 4202.21
Leather purses are classified under HS code 4202.21, a subheading that specifically addresses handbags with an outer surface of leather or composition leather. The Harmonized System defines handbags as articles normally carried in the hand or on the shoulder, designed to hold personal objects. The critical factor for classification under 4202.21 is the material of the \"outer surface.\" If the exterior is predominantly leather, the item remains in this category regardless of the lining, handles, or internal reinforcements made of other materials. This distinction is vital because the duty rates for leather goods often differ significantly from those made of plastic sheeting or textile materials. Importers must be careful to distinguish between a handbag and a pocket-sized wallet. While the term \"purse\" is often used interchangeably in common English, in the HS, a purse that functions as a handbag is 4202.21, whereas a small coin purse or wallet intended for the pocket is 4202.31. The classification process requires a physical inspection of the surface material to confirm it is genuine or composition leather rather than a synthetic imitation.
- Covers
- Leather handbags
- Leather shoulder bags
- Leather clutches
- Leather tote bags
- Leather evening bags
- Leather satchels for personal use
- 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 purses are frequently confused with HS code 4202.31, which covers articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, such as wallets and small coin purses. Another common error is using 4202.22, which is for handbags with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials. If the purse is made of \"vegan leather\" (polyurethane), it must be classified under 4202.22, not 4202.21.
Import duty on leather purses (HS 420221) by country
Import duty on leather purses (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 purses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420221 (the code used for leather purses) 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 purses.
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 purses
Brazil classifies leather purses 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 purses
What is the HS code for Leather purses?
The HS code for Leather purses 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 HS code for leather purses (handbags) is 4202.21.
How do I classify Leather purses for customs?
Leather purses 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.
Are leather wallets classified under the same code?
No, leather wallets are classified under HS code 4202.31, as they are considered articles normally carried in the pocket or handbag rather than being handbags themselves.
What is the import duty on leather purses?
Import duty on leather purses (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 purses (HS 420221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420221 (the code used for leather purses) 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 purses (HS 420221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420221 (the code used for leather purses) 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 purses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420221 for Leather purses 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 purses in Brazil?
In Brazil, leather purses (HS 420221) is classified under NCM 4202.21.00.