Product classification
HS code for Leather scraps: 4115.20
Leather, parings and other waste, of leather or composition leather, not suitable for the manufacture of leather articles, leather dust, powder and flour.
Classification of leather scraps under HS 4115.20
The classification of leather scraps under HS code 4115.20 is determined by the physical state and the intended use of the material. This code covers parings and other waste of leather or composition leather that are \"not suitable for the manufacture of leather articles.\" This means the pieces are too small, irregular, or damaged to be used in the production of shoes, bags, or apparel. The category also includes leather dust, powder, and flour, which are often by-products of the buffing and grinding processes in a tannery. These materials are not considered \"leather\" in the sense of a usable hide (Chapter 41) but are treated as industrial waste or raw material for other processes. For example, leather scraps are frequently used to produce \"composition leather\" (4115.10), which is made by bonding leather fibers together. If the scraps were suitable for making small leather goods, they might be classified differently, but 4115.20 specifically captures the low-value waste stream of the leather industry. This classification is important for environmental regulations and for industries that recycle leather fibers into new materials.
- Covers
- Leather parings and trimmings
- Leather shavings from the tanning process
- Leather dust and powder
- Leather flour
- Waste of composition leather
- Also under 4115.20
- Waste from JBS Couros tanneries
- Pittards leather offcuts
- ECCO Leather production waste
- materials for reconstituted leather sheets
- organic fertilizer components
Codes often confused with 4115.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 4115.10, which is for composition leather in slabs, sheets, or strips. 4115.10 is the finished recycled product, while 4115.20 is the raw waste material. Another error is using 0511.99, which covers animal products not elsewhere specified; however, once the hide has been tanned or partially processed, its waste must stay within Chapter 41.
Top exporters and importers of HS 411520 (the code used for leather scraps), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 411520 (the code used for leather scraps) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 17% 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 411520, not only leather scraps.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $5.9M 43% of world exports
- 2 Italy $2.8M 20% of world exports
- 3 Bolivia $876K 6.3% of world exports
World total: $14M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $1.4M 17% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.1M 14% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $986K 12% of world imports
World total: $7.9M 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 scraps
Brazil classifies leather scraps under NCM 4115.20.00: HS 4115.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leather scraps
What is the HS code for Leather scraps?
The HS code for Leather scraps is 411520 (Leather; parings and other waste, of leather or composition leather; not suitable for the manufacture of leather articles; leather dust, powder and flour). Leather scraps, parings, and waste not suitable for manufacturing are classified under HS code 4115.20.
How do I classify Leather scraps for customs?
Leather scraps is classified under HS code 411520 — Leather; parings and other waste, of leather or composition leather; not suitable for the manufacture of leather articles; leather dust, powder and flour. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can these scraps be used for making leather board?
Yes, scraps classified under 4115.20 are the primary raw material used to manufacture composition leather or leather board, which is then classified under 4115.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather scraps (HS 411520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 411520 (the code used for leather scraps) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($5.9M, 43% of world exports), Italy ($2.8M) and Bolivia ($876K). World exports came to about $14M, 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 scraps (HS 411520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 411520 (the code used for leather scraps) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.4M, 17% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.1M) and Brazil ($986K). World imports came to about $7.9M, 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 scraps the same in all countries?
The base HS code 411520 for Leather scraps 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 scraps in Brazil?
In Brazil, leather scraps (HS 411520) is classified under NCM 4115.20.00.