Product classification
HS code for Luggage: 4202.12
Cases and containers, trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials.
Classification of luggage under HS 4202.12
Luggage items, including suitcases, trunks, and vanity cases, are classified under HS code 4202.12. Chapter 42 of the Harmonized System covers articles of leather, saddlery, travel goods, and similar containers. Heading 4202 is a broad heading that encompasses a wide variety of containers used for the transport of personal effects, tools, or documents. The classification within this heading is primarily driven by the material used for the outer surface of the article. Subheading 4202.12 is specifically designated for containers such as suitcases, executive cases, and school satchels that feature an outer surface made of plastics or textile materials. This includes modern hard-shell luggage manufactured from polymers like ABS, polycarbonate, or polypropylene, as well as soft-sided luggage made from durable fabrics like ballistic nylon or polyester. The outer surface rule is a fundamental principle; it refers to the material that is visible and provides the primary protection for the contents.
- Covers
- Hard-shell plastic suitcases (ABS/Polycarbonate)
- Soft-sided polyester duffel bags
- Nylon backpacks and rucksacks
- Textile-covered vanity cases
- Plastic executive briefcases
- School satchels with textile outer surfaces
- Also under 4202.12
- Samsonite Omni PC
- Delsey Chatelet Air
- Eastpak Padded Pak'r
- Osprey Farpoint
- American Tourister Moonlight
Codes often confused with 4202.12
Common mistake. Luggage is often misclassified under HS code 4202.11 if the outer surface is made of leather, composition leather, or patent leather. It may also be confused with 4202.19, which is the residual category for containers with outer surfaces of other materials like wood or metal. Additionally, simple shopping bags or packing sacks made of textile materials may be misclassified here but often belong in heading 6305.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420212 (the code used for luggage), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420212 (the code used for luggage) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 420212, not only luggage.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $11.4B 76% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $368M 2.4% of world exports
- 3 France $340M 2.3% of world exports
World total: $15.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $643M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $383M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $8.9B 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 codes for luggage
Brazil splits HS 4202.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4202.12.10Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcases
- 4202.12.20Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcases
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about luggage
What is the HS code for Luggage?
The HS code for Luggage is 420212 (Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials).
How do I classify Luggage for customs?
Luggage is classified under HS code 420212 — Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for plastic suitcases?
Plastic suitcases are classified under HS code 4202.12 because they have an outer surface of plastic.
Does the internal frame material affect the HS code?
No, the classification for heading 4202 is determined by the material of the outer surface, not the internal frame or lining.
Which countries are the top exporters of luggage (HS 420212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420212 (the code used for luggage) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.4B, 76% of world exports), Belgium ($368M) and France ($340M). World exports came to about $15.0B, 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 luggage (HS 420212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420212 (the code used for luggage) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 14% of world imports), Germany ($643M) and the United Kingdom ($383M). World imports came to about $8.9B, 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 Luggage the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420212 for Luggage 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 luggage in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 420212 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for luggage depends on the product's details: 4202.12.10 (Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcases), 4202.12.20 (Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcases).