Product classification
HS code for Leather sports gloves: 4203.21
Clothing accessories, gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports, of leather or composition leather, padded.
Classification of leather sports gloves under HS 4203.21
Leather sports gloves are classified under HS code 4203.21. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 42 covers articles of leather, and heading 4203 specifically addresses articles of apparel and clothing accessories. The subheading 4203.21 is reserved for gloves, mittens, and mitts that are specially designed for use in sports. To be classified here, the product must exhibit objective characteristics that prove its sporting intent. This often includes specialized padding for protection, reinforced palms for enhanced grip, or specific ergonomic designs that facilitate athletic performance. For instance, a boxing glove has significant padding to protect the knuckles, while a baseball mitt is shaped to catch a ball. These features distinguish them from general-purpose leather gloves, which are classified elsewhere. The material must be leather or composition leather; if the glove is primarily textile with only leather accents, it may fall under a different chapter entirely. Customs authorities look for these specific design elements to prevent the misapplication of lower duty rates often associated with sporting equipment compared to general fashion accessories. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the gloves are for professional or amateur use, provided the physical characteristics meet the criteria for sports equipment.
- Covers
- Boxing gloves and MMA grappling gloves
- Baseball and softball mitts
- Fencing gloves with protective gauntlets
- Cricket batting and wicket-keeping gloves
- Ice hockey and field hockey gloves
- Golf gloves made of genuine or composition leather
- Also under 4203.21
- Everlast boxing gloves
- Rawlings baseball gloves
- Titleist golf gloves
- Fox Racing motorcycle gloves
- Mechanix Wear tactical gloves
Codes often confused with 4203.21
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these under HS code 4203.29, which is the residual category for "other" leather gloves. While 4203.29 covers dress gloves or work gloves, 4203.21 is strictly for sports-specific designs. Another common mistake involves textile-based sports gloves, which should be classified under 6116 (knitted) or 6216 (woven) depending on their construction, even if they have leather palms. Additionally, motorcycle gloves are often debated; if they lack specific sporting features and are intended for general road safety, they may be pushed into 4203.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420321 (the code used for leather sports gloves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420321 (the code used for leather sports gloves) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 47% 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 420321, not only leather sports gloves.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $122M 20% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$118M 19% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Thailand $60M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $617M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $284M 47% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $39M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Canada $29M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $608M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 sports gloves
Brazil classifies leather sports gloves under NCM 4203.21.00: HS 4203.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leather sports gloves
What is the HS code for Leather sports gloves?
The HS code for Leather sports gloves is 420321 (Clothing accessories; gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports, of leather or composition leather, padded). The specific HS code for leather sports gloves is 4203.21, which covers gloves, mittens, and mitts specially designed for sports use.
How do I classify Leather sports gloves for customs?
Leather sports gloves is classified under HS code 420321 — Clothing accessories; gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports, of leather or composition leather, padded. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are weightlifting gloves included in this code?
Yes, if the weightlifting gloves are primarily made of leather or composition leather and feature padding or grip enhancements specifically for athletic training, they are classified under 4203.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather sports gloves (HS 420321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420321 (the code used for leather sports gloves) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($122M, 20% of world exports), Vietnam (about $118M) and Thailand ($60M). World exports came to about $617M, 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 sports gloves (HS 420321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420321 (the code used for leather sports gloves) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($284M, 47% of world imports), South Korea ($39M) and Canada ($29M). World imports came to about $608M, 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 sports gloves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420321 for Leather sports gloves 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 sports gloves in Brazil?
In Brazil, leather sports gloves (HS 420321) is classified under NCM 4203.21.00.