Product classification
HS code for Purses: 4202.22
Cases and containers, handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials.
Classification of purses under HS 4202.22
Purses, when designed as handbags, are classified under HS code 4202.22. Chapter 42 covers articles of leather, travel goods, and handbags. Heading 4202 includes a variety of containers used for carrying personal effects. Subheading 4202.22 specifically identifies handbags, whether or not with a shoulder strap, including those without a handle, that feature an outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials. The classification is determined by two primary criteria: the function of the item as a handbag (a container designed to carry personal items, usually larger than a wallet) and the material of the exterior surface. This code is used for purses made of nylon, polyester, PVC, or other synthetic fabrics and plastic sheets.
- Covers
- Textile shoulder bags and totes
- Plastic sheeting clutch bags
- Nylon crossbody purses
- Polyester evening bags
- Synthetic fabric handbags without handles
- Also under 4202.22
- Kate Spade Sam bag (nylon)
- Longchamp Le Pliage
- Kipling Gabbie
- Coach Signature Canvas
- Zara faux leather bags
Codes often confused with 4202.22
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 4202.22 and 4202.21. Code 4202.21 is reserved for handbags with an outer surface of leather or composition leather. Another frequent error involves 4202.32, which covers "articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag," such as small coin purses or wallets. If the item is small enough to be carried *inside* a larger bag, it belongs in 4202.32. If it is the primary bag carried by the person, it is 4202.22. Additionally, shopping bags made of simple plastic film are often misclassified here but should be in 3923.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420222 (the code used for purses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420222 (the code used for purses) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 420222, not only purses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $6.2B 34% of world exports
- 2 France $3.7B 20% of world exports
- 3 Italy $2.0B 11% of world exports
World total: $18.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.1B 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.7B 11% of world imports
- 3 Italy $1.0B 6.7% of world imports
World total: $15.0B 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 purses
Brazil splits HS 4202.22 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4202.22.10Handbags of plastic sheeting
- 4202.22.20Handbags of textile materials
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about purses
What is the HS code for Purses?
The HS code for Purses is 420222 (Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials). Handbags (purses) with an outer surface of plastic or textile are classified under HS code 4202.22.
How do I classify Purses for customs?
Purses is classified under HS code 420222 — Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 4202.22 and 4202.32?
4202.22 is for handbags (the main bag), while 4202.32 is for smaller items like wallets or coin purses that are carried inside a handbag or pocket.
Which countries are the top exporters of purses (HS 420222)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420222 (the code used for purses) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.2B, 34% of world exports), France ($3.7B) and Italy ($2.0B). World exports came to about $18.2B, 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 purses (HS 420222)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420222 (the code used for purses) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1B, 14% of world imports), the United States ($1.7B) and Italy ($1.0B). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Purses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420222 for Purses 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 purses in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 420222 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for purses depends on the product's details: 4202.22.10 (Handbags of plastic sheeting), 4202.22.20 (Handbags of textile materials).