Product classification
HS code for Pickled lambskins: 4102.21
Skins, raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on.
Classification of pickled lambskins under HS 4102.21
Pickled lambskins are classified under HS code 4102.21 because they represent a specific intermediate stage in the processing of raw hides and skins. This code is designated for sheep or lamb skins that have had the wool removed and have undergone the pickling process—a chemical treatment involving acid (usually sulfuric acid) and salt solutions to prevent putrefaction and bacterial growth during transport or storage before the tanning process begins. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products are classified based on their physical state and degree of processing at the time of import. Since these skins are not yet tanned, parchment-dressed, or further prepared, they remain in the "raw" category of Chapter 41. The specific subheading 4102.21 is reserved for those without wool that are pickled, distinguishing them from skins preserved in other ways like liming, drying, or simple salting. The pickling process is essential for stabilizing the collagen fibers in the skin, allowing them to be stored for extended periods without degrading. This classification is critical for customs because it distinguishes raw materials from semi-finished leather (crust) or finished leather, which carry different duty rates and regulatory requirements. The absence of wool is a primary determinant; if the wool were still attached, the classification would shift to a different subheading within 4102.
- Covers
- Pickled sheep skins without wool
- Pickled lamb skins without wool
- Acid-treated raw sheep skins for tanning
- De-wooled sheep skins in brine or acid solution
- Also under 4102.21
- Pickled pelts from New Zealand lamb
- Australian sheep
- Spanish lamb
Codes often confused with 4102.21
Common mistake. Pickled lambskins are frequently confused with tanned sheepskins under HS code 4105. The distinction lies in the chemical state: pickled skins are still considered "raw" and the process is reversible, whereas tanned skins have undergone a permanent chemical change. Another common error is using HS code 4102.10, which is reserved for sheep and lamb skins with the wool still attached ("in the wool"). If the skins have been further processed into "wet blue" leather, they must be classified under 4105.10, as they are no longer considered raw pickled skins.
Top exporters and importers of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled lambskins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled lambskins) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 42% 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 410221, not only pickled lambskins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $12M 18% of world exports
- 2 Spain $11M 15% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $9.4M 14% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $40M 42% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $15M 16% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $12M 13% of world imports
World total: $95M 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 pickled lambskins
Brazil classifies pickled lambskins under NCM 4102.21.00: HS 4102.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pickled lambskins
What is the HS code for Pickled lambskins?
The HS code for Pickled lambskins is 410221 (Skins; raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on). The HS code for pickled lambskins without wool is 4102.21. This code specifically covers skins that have been treated with acid and salt but have not yet been tanned.
How do I classify Pickled lambskins for customs?
Pickled lambskins is classified under HS code 410221 — Skins; raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can pickled skins with wool be classified here?
No, if the wool is still attached to the lambskin, it must be classified under HS code 4102.10. Heading 4102.21 is strictly for skins that have had the wool removed prior to or during the pickling process.
Which countries are the top exporters of pickled lambskins (HS 410221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled lambskins) in UN Comtrade data were China ($12M, 18% of world exports), Spain ($11M) and South Africa ($9.4M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 pickled lambskins (HS 410221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled lambskins) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($40M, 42% of world imports), Indonesia ($15M) and Pakistan ($12M). World imports came to about $95M, 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 Pickled lambskins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 410221 for Pickled lambskins 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 pickled lambskins in Brazil?
In Brazil, pickled lambskins (HS 410221) is classified under NCM 4102.21.00.