Product classification

HS code for Light raw hides: 4101.20

Raw hides and skins, whole, unsplit, of bovine or equine animals, of a weight per skin not exceeding 8kg when simply dried, 10kg when dry-salted or 16kg when fresh, wet-salted or otherwise preserved.

Classification of light raw hides under HS 4101.20

HS code 4101.20 is reserved for raw hides and skins of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals. The classification is strictly defined by the weight of the skin and its state of preservation. To fall under this code, the hides must be whole and unsplit. The weight thresholds are precise: the skin must not exceed 8 kg when simply dried, 10 kg when dry-salted, or 16 kg when fresh, wet-salted, or otherwise preserved. These weight limits are intended to distinguish "light" hides, typically from calves or smaller animals, from "heavy" hides categorized elsewhere. This classification is part of Chapter 41, which covers raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather. The distinction between raw hides and tanned leather is critical; once the tanning process has commenced beyond simple preservation, the product moves to headings 4104 through 4106. The classification process requires verifying the animal source, the weight per individual skin, and the method used to prevent putrefaction during transport. This level of detail is necessary for agricultural and trade statistics, as well as for applying specific veterinary and sanitary regulations that vary by animal type and hide weight.

Covers
  • Fresh calf skins under 16 kg
  • Wet-salted bovine hides under 16 kg
  • Dried equine skins under 8 kg
  • Dry-salted buffalo hides under 10 kg
  • Unsplit whole raw hides of small bovine animals
Also under 4101.20
  • Hides from dairy calves
  • young beef cattle
  • small horses

Codes often confused with 4101.20

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 4101.50, which covers whole bovine or equine hides exceeding the weight limits mentioned (e.g., over 16 kg fresh). Another error is using 4104, which is for tanned or crust leather; 4101.20 is strictly for raw, untanned skins. Additionally, skins from other animals like goats (4103) or sheep (4102) must not be placed here.

4101.50Hides and skins; raw, whole, of bovine or equine animals, of a weight per skin exceeding 16 kg41.04Tanned or crust hides and skins of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals, without hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared41.03Raw hides and skins n.e.c in headings no. 4101, 4102; fresh, salted, dried, pickled or otherwise preserved, not further prepared, whether or not dehaired or split41.02Raw skins of sheep or lambs (fresh, salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not further prepared), whether or not with wool on or split

Top exporters and importers of HS 410120 (the code used for light raw hides), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 410120 (the code used for light raw hides) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 57% 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 410120, not only light raw hides.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 France $41M
  2. 2 Belgium $30M
  3. 3 New Zealand $26M

World total: $212M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $149M
  2. 2 China $52M
  3. 3 Nigeria $10.0M

World total: $263M 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 light raw hides

Brazil classifies light raw hides under NCM 4101.20.00: HS 4101.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Questions about light raw hides

What is the HS code for Light raw hides?

The HS code for Light raw hides is 410120 (Raw hides and skins; whole, unsplit, of bovine or equine animals, of a weight per skin not exceeding 8kg when simply dried, 10kg when dry-salted or 16kg when fresh, wet-salted or otherwise preserved). The HS code for light raw hides of bovine or equine animals (whole and unsplit) is 4101.20.

How do I classify Light raw hides for customs?

Light raw hides is classified under HS code 410120 — Raw hides and skins; whole, unsplit, of bovine or equine animals, of a weight per skin not exceeding 8kg when simply dried, 10kg when dry-salted or 16kg when fresh, wet-salted or otherwise preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What defines a hide as "light" in this category?

A hide is considered light if it weighs no more than 8 kg (dried), 10 kg (dry-salted), or 16 kg (fresh/wet-salted) per individual skin.

Which countries are the top exporters of light raw hides (HS 410120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 410120 (the code used for light raw hides) in UN Comtrade data were France ($41M, 19% of world exports), Belgium ($30M) and New Zealand ($26M). World exports came to about $212M, 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 light raw hides (HS 410120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 410120 (the code used for light raw hides) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($149M, 57% of world imports), China ($52M) and Nigeria ($10.0M). World imports came to about $263M, 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 Light raw hides the same in all countries?

The base HS code 410120 for Light raw hides 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 light raw hides in Brazil?

In Brazil, light raw hides (HS 410120) is classified under NCM 4101.20.00.