Product classification

HS code for Paper handbags: 4202.29

Cases and containers, handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper.

Classification of paper handbags under HS 4202.29

Paper handbags are classified under HS code 4202.29. This classification is based on the nature of the item as a container for personal effects rather than a simple packaging material. Heading 4202 covers a wide variety of containers such as trunks, suitcases, and handbags. While many handbags are made of leather (4202.21) or plastic/textiles (4202.22), subheading 4202.29 is the residual category for handbags made of other materials, specifically including vulcanized fiber or paperboard, or those covered with paper. To fall under this code, the item must function as a handbag (a container usually carried by hand or shoulder for personal items) rather than a disposable carrier bag used for retail transport.

Covers
  • Handbags made of rigid paperboard
  • Decorative handbags covered with specialty paper
  • Vulcanized fiber handbags
  • Reinforced paper handbags designed for repeated use
  • Handbags with paper-based outer surfaces and textile linings
Also under 4202.29
  • Specialized craft handbags
  • vintage fiberboard purses
  • designer paper-covered bags (e.g., for specific events)
  • unique artisanal creations

Codes often confused with 4202.29

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 4819, which covers cartons, boxes, cases, bags, and other packing containers of paper. Standard retail shopping bags, even those with handles, are typically classified under 4819.30 or 4819.40 as "sacks and bags." The distinction lies in the durability and intent: 4202.29 is for items designed to be used as a fashion accessory or durable personal container, whereas 4819 is for transport and packaging. Misclassification also occurs with 4602 for bags made of plaited paper strips (wicker-style).

48.19Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like4819.30Paper and paperboard; sacks and bags of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base of a width of 40cm or more4819.40Paper and paperboard; sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm46.02Basketwork, wickerwork and other articles, made directly to shape from plaiting materials or made up from goods of heading no. 4601; articles of loofah

Top exporters and importers of HS 420229 (the code used for paper handbags), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420229 (the code used for paper handbags) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 16% 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 420229, not only paper handbags.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Italy $180M
  2. 2 Thailand $128M
  3. 3 France $52M

World total: $736M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Thailand $150M
  2. 2 Italy $110M
  3. 3 Singapore $54M

World total: $939M 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 paper handbags

Brazil classifies paper handbags under NCM 4202.29.00: HS 4202.29 with 00 added.

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

Questions about paper handbags

What is the HS code for Paper handbags?

The HS code for Paper handbags is 420229 (Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper). The HS code for handbags made of paperboard, vulcanized fiber, or covered in paper is 4202.29.

How do I classify Paper handbags for customs?

Paper handbags is classified under HS code 420229 — Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are paper shopping bags classified under 4202.29?

Generally, no. Standard paper shopping bags used for retail packaging are classified under heading 4819.

Which countries are the top exporters of paper handbags (HS 420229)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420229 (the code used for paper handbags) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($180M, 24% of world exports), Thailand ($128M) and France ($52M). World exports came to about $736M, 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 paper handbags (HS 420229)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 420229 (the code used for paper handbags) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($150M, 16% of world imports), Italy ($110M) and Singapore ($54M). World imports came to about $939M, 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 Paper handbags the same in all countries?

The base HS code 420229 for Paper handbags 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 paper handbags in Brazil?

In Brazil, paper handbags (HS 420229) is classified under NCM 4202.29.00.