Product classification
HS code for Suitcases: 4202.12
Cases and containers, trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials.
Classification of suitcases under HS 4202.12
The classification of suitcases under HS code 4202.12 is governed by the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 42, Note 2(a) specifically excludes certain items, but suitcases with plastic or textile exteriors are explicitly included in heading 4202. The subheading 4202.12 is further refined to include those with outer surfaces of plastics or textile materials. This distinction is vital because the Harmonized System prioritizes the material of the outer shell over the internal structure. For instance, a suitcase with a rigid aluminum frame but covered in high-denier nylon fabric is classified under 4202.12, not under a metal-based code. This is because the textile material provides the \"essential character\" of the outer surface as defined by the WCO's Explanatory Notes. Furthermore, the distinction between \"plastic\" and \"textile\" is often debated, but for the purposes of 4202.12, both are grouped together in the same subheading, simplifying the process for many modern luggage types. Importers must ensure that the outer surface material is clearly identified on all shipping documents, as this affects not only the duty rate but also potential trade remedies like anti-dumping duties or quotas that may apply to specific materials from certain countries.
- Covers
- Hard-shell polycarbonate suitcases
- Soft-sided polyester or nylon travel bags
- Executive cases with plastic outer layers
- School satchels made of textile materials
- Vanity cases with plastic molded exteriors
- Carry-on luggage with textile surfaces
- Also under 4202.12
- Samsonite Omni PC
- Delsey Chatelet Air
- Eastpak Padded Pak'r
- Osprey Farpoint
- American Tourister Moonlight
Codes often confused with 4202.12
Common mistake. Suitcases are frequently misclassified under 4202.11 if they are mistaken for leather or composition leather. Conversely, if the outer surface is made of aluminum or wood, they must be classified under 4202.19. Another common error is using 4202.92, which is reserved for items like backpacks or sports bags that do not have the rigid or semi-rigid structure of a suitcase or executive case.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420212 (the code used for suitcases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420212 (the code used for suitcases) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 420212, not only suitcases.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $11.4B 76% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $368M 2.4% of world exports
- 3 France $340M 2.3% of world exports
World total: $15.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $643M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $383M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $8.9B 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 suitcases
Brazil splits HS 4202.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4202.12.10Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcases
- 4202.12.20Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcases
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about suitcases
What is the HS code for Suitcases?
The HS code for Suitcases is 420212 (Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials). The HS code for suitcases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials is 4202.12.
How do I classify Suitcases for customs?
Suitcases is classified under HS code 420212 — Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include leather suitcases?
No, suitcases with an outer surface of leather or composition leather are classified under HS code 4202.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of suitcases (HS 420212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420212 (the code used for suitcases) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.4B, 76% of world exports), Belgium ($368M) and France ($340M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of suitcases (HS 420212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420212 (the code used for suitcases) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 14% of world imports), Germany ($643M) and the United Kingdom ($383M). World imports came to about $8.9B, 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 Suitcases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420212 for Suitcases 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 suitcases in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 420212 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for suitcases depends on the product's details: 4202.12.10 (Plastic trunks, suitcases and briefcases), 4202.12.20 (Textile trunks, suitcases and briefcases).