Product classification
HS code for Wet-blue exotic leather: 4106.91
Tanned or crust hides and skins, of animals other than equine, ovine, bovine, goats or kids, swine and reptiles, without wool or hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared, in the wet state (including wet-blue).
Classification of wet-blue exotic leather under HS 4106.91
The classification of wet-blue exotic leather under HS code 4106.91 is determined by the biological origin of the animal and the specific stage of the tanning process. This code serves as a residual category for hides and skins of animals that do not fall under the more common categories of bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, or swine. The term "wet-blue" specifically refers to hides that have undergone chrome tanning but have not yet been dried. During this stage, the chromium salts react with the collagen in the skin, resulting in a characteristic pale blue color and a high moisture content. For a product to be classified here, it must be in the wet state and must not have undergone further preparation such as dyeing, fat-liquoring, or finishing. This classification is critical for international trade as it distinguishes semi-processed industrial materials from raw hides or finished consumer leather goods. The animal types included here are typically non-domesticated or less common species, excluding reptiles which have their own specific subheadings.
- Covers
- Wet-blue deer hides
- Wet-blue kangaroo skins
- Wet-blue antelope hides
- Wet-blue camel leather
- Wet-blue elk skins
- Chrome-tanned ostrich skins (without feathers)
- Also under 4106.91
- Adidas (kangaroo leather for soccer boots)
- Nike (kangaroo leather for athletic shoes)
- various motorcycle gear brands (kangaroo leather)
- luxury brands (ostrich leather goods)
- specialized glove manufacturers
Codes often confused with 4106.91
Common mistake. Wet-blue exotic leather is frequently misclassified under HS code 4106.40, which is specifically reserved for reptiles such as crocodiles, snakes, and lizards. Another common error is using HS code 4104, which is strictly for bovine or equine animals. Importers must ensure the animal species is clearly identified on the commercial invoice to avoid these errors. Additionally, if the leather has been dried or further prepared, it must move to heading 4113.
Top exporters and importers of HS 410691 (the code used for wet-blue exotic leather), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 410691 (the code used for wet-blue exotic leather) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% 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 410691, not only wet-blue exotic leather.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $1.0M 50% of world exports
- 2 Spain $215K 11% of world exports
- 3 Australia $214K 10% of world exports
World total: $2.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.4M 68% of world imports
- 2 Bulgaria $627K 12% of world imports
- 3 Finland $355K 7.0% of world imports
World total: $5.0M 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 wet-blue exotic leather
Brazil classifies wet-blue exotic leather under NCM 4106.91.00: HS 4106.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wet-blue exotic leather
What is the HS code for Wet-blue exotic leather?
The HS code for Wet-blue exotic leather is 410691 (Tanned or crust hides and skins; of animals other than equine, ovine, bovine, goats or kids, swine and reptiles, without wool or hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared, in the wet state (including wet-blue)). The HS code for wet-blue exotic leather from animals other than bovine, equine, ovine, swine, or reptiles is 4106.91.
How do I classify Wet-blue exotic leather for customs?
Wet-blue exotic leather is classified under HS code 410691 — Tanned or crust hides and skins; of animals other than equine, ovine, bovine, goats or kids, swine and reptiles, without wool or hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared, in the wet state (including wet-blue). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include wet-blue alligator skins?
No, alligator and other reptile skins are classified under HS code 4106.40 if they are in the wet-blue or crust state.
Which countries are the top exporters of wet-blue exotic leather (HS 410691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 410691 (the code used for wet-blue exotic leather) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($1.0M, 50% of world exports), Spain ($215K) and Australia ($214K). World exports came to about $2.0M, 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 wet-blue exotic leather (HS 410691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 410691 (the code used for wet-blue exotic leather) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.4M, 68% of world imports), Bulgaria ($627K) and Finland ($355K). World imports came to about $5.0M, 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 Wet-blue exotic leather the same in all countries?
The base HS code 410691 for Wet-blue exotic leather 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 wet-blue exotic leather in Brazil?
In Brazil, wet-blue exotic leather (HS 410691) is classified under NCM 4106.91.00.