Product classification
HS code for Padded leather gloves: 4203.21
Clothing accessories, gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports, of leather or composition leather, padded.
Classification of padded leather gloves under HS 4203.21
Padded leather gloves designed specifically for sports are classified under HS code 4203.21. This classification falls within Chapter 42, which encompasses articles of leather, saddlery, harness, travel goods, and similar containers. Heading 4203 specifically pertains to articles of apparel and clothing accessories made of leather or composition leather. Subheading 4203.21 is a specialized category for gloves, mittens, and mitts that are designed for use in sports. The inclusion of padding is a critical technical feature that differentiates these items from standard dress gloves or general-purpose work gloves. To qualify for this code, the gloves must be constructed primarily of leather or composition leather and possess design characteristics—such as reinforced padding, specialized grips, or protective shielding—that make them suitable for athletic activities. This classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, which prioritizes the specific description of the goods in the subheading over more general categories of leather apparel.
- Covers
- Leather boxing gloves with internal padding
- Padded leather baseball mitts and gloves
- Ice hockey gloves made of leather or composition leather
- Padded leather cycling gloves for hand protection
- Leather cricket batting gloves
- Leather American football gloves with protective padding
- 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. Padded leather sports gloves are often confused with HS code 4203.29, which covers other types of leather gloves, such as those used for general work or fashion. The distinction lies in the "specially designed for sports" requirement of 4203.21. Furthermore, gloves made of textile materials with leather palms are sometimes incorrectly classified here; however, if the textile component provides the essential character, they should be classified under 6216.00. It is vital to verify the primary material and the intended use to avoid these common errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420321 (the code used for padded leather gloves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420321 (the code used for padded leather 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 padded leather 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 padded leather gloves
Brazil classifies padded leather 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 padded leather gloves
What is the HS code for Padded leather gloves?
The HS code for Padded leather gloves is 420321 (Clothing accessories; gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports, of leather or composition leather, padded). The correct HS code for padded leather gloves designed for sports is 4203.21. This code is used globally for leather-based athletic hand protection.
How do I classify Padded leather gloves for customs?
Padded leather 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 leather work gloves classified under this code?
No, leather work gloves that do not have specific sports-related design features are typically classified under HS code 4203.29, which covers general leather gloves and mittens.
Which countries are the top exporters of padded leather gloves (HS 420321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420321 (the code used for padded leather 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 padded leather gloves (HS 420321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420321 (the code used for padded leather 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 Padded leather gloves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420321 for Padded leather 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 padded leather gloves in Brazil?
In Brazil, padded leather gloves (HS 420321) is classified under NCM 4203.21.00.