Product classification
HS code for Pickled sheepskins: 4102.21
Skins, raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on.
Classification of pickled sheepskins under HS 4102.21
Pickled sheepskins are classified under HS code 4102.21. This classification falls within Chapter 41, which encompasses raw hides, skins, and leather. The term \"pickled\" in the leather industry refers to a specific preservation stage where the skins are treated with a solution of salt and acid (usually sulfuric acid) to lower the pH level. This process prevents putrefaction and prepares the collagen fibers for the subsequent tanning process. HS code 4102.21 is specific to sheep or lamb skins that are \"in the pick,\" meaning they have had the wool removed but have not yet been tanned. The classification is precise: it excludes skins that still have wool attached (4102.10) and skins that have already undergone tanning (4105). For international trade, this code allows for the movement of semi-processed skins between slaughterhouses or fellmongeries and tanneries. It is important to note that \"pickled\" in this sense is a chemical preservation state, not a culinary one. The skins must not be parchment-dressed or further prepared beyond the pickling stage to remain under this code. If the skins were to be tanned, even if not finished, they would move to a different heading entirely, reflecting their higher level of processing and value.
- Covers
- Pickled sheep skins without wool
- Pickled lamb skins without wool
- De-wooled sheepskins in acid-salt solution
- Semi-preserved raw sheepskins for tanning
- Also under 4102.21
- Pickled pelts from New Zealand lamb
- Australian sheep
- Spanish lamb
Codes often confused with 4102.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 4102.10, which is for sheepskins with the wool still on. Additionally, importers sometimes mistakenly use 4105.10, which is for sheepskins that have already been tanned (wet-blue), even if they require further finishing. Pickled skins are raw, not tanned.
Top exporters and importers of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled sheepskins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled sheepskins) 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 sheepskins.
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 sheepskins
Brazil classifies pickled sheepskins 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 sheepskins
What is the HS code for Pickled sheepskins?
The HS code for Pickled sheepskins 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 sheep or lamb skins, without wool on and not yet tanned, is 4102.21.
How do I classify Pickled sheepskins for customs?
Pickled sheepskins 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, sheepskins that are pickled but still have the wool attached must be classified under HS code 4102.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of pickled sheepskins (HS 410221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled sheepskins) 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 sheepskins (HS 410221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 410221 (the code used for pickled sheepskins) 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 sheepskins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 410221 for Pickled sheepskins 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 sheepskins in Brazil?
In Brazil, pickled sheepskins (HS 410221) is classified under NCM 4102.21.00.