HS Code for Leather treatment chemical

Leather treatment chemicals classified under HS code 3403.91 are lubricating preparations specifically formulated for the treatment of textile materials, leather, furskins, or other similar materials. The defining characteristic of this classification is the absence of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. These chemical agents are used during the finishing stages of leather production to impart specific physical properties such as softness, flexibility, or water resistance. Because they do not rely on mineral oil bases, they often consist of synthetic polymers, silicones, or organic fats and oils that have been chemically modified. The classification follows General Interpretative Rules (GIR) by identifying the specific use case (leather treatment) and the chemical composition (non-petroleum based). These products are essential in modern tanneries that require high-performance finishes without the use of traditional mineral oils.

Products Included

• Synthetic fatliquors for leather softening
• Silicone-based water repellents for hides
• Non-petroleum lubricating sprays for furskins
• Aqueous dispersions of synthetic waxes for leather finishing
• Chemical softening agents for textile-leather composites

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3403.11. While both codes cover leather treatment preparations, 3403.11 is reserved for products that contain petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals (less than 70% by weight). If the preparation contains no petroleum at all, it must be moved to 3403.91. Additionally, pure tanning substances are often confused with this code but should be classified under heading 3202, as 3403 is strictly for lubricating or finishing preparations rather than the primary tanning process.

FAQ

What is the HS code for leather treatment chemical?

The HS code for leather treatment chemicals that do not contain petroleum oils is 3403.91.

How does this differ from leather dyes?

Leather dyes are classified under Chapter 32 (specifically 3204 or 3212), as they provide color, whereas 3403.91 is for lubricating and softening preparations.