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HS-2 · Chapter 42

HS chapter 42: Articles of leather

Section VIIIRaw hides and skins, leather, furskins and articles thereof; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm gut)

Chapter 42 of the Harmonized System covers a diverse range of products primarily made from leather and similar materials. This chapter includes items such as saddlery and harness for animals, travel goods like handbags and suitcases, and various articles made from animal gut. Understanding this chapter is crucial for importers and exporters dealing with these goods, as it provides the necessary classifications for proper tariff application.

Within this chapter, traders can drill down to specific HS-4 codes that categorize products more precisely. For instance, HS-4201 pertains to saddlery and harness, while HS-4202 covers a variety of travel goods and bags. Each HS-4 code is further defined to help you identify the correct classification for your products, ensuring compliance with customs regulations.

If you're unsure about which code applies to your products, it's advisable to consult the detailed descriptions under each HS-4 heading. Additionally, consider reaching out to a customs broker or checking for any national digits that may apply in your country. This will help you avoid potential issues with customs clearance and ensure that you are applying the correct tariffs.

Terms & reference phrasing

These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.

leather articles · saddlery and harness · travel goods · handbags · animal gut products · HS-4201 · HS-4202 · customs classification · import export codes · tariff application · compliance with customs · leather apparel · composition leather · suitcases · animal apparel · customs broker · national digits

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Related topics

Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.

  • how to classify leather articles for import
  • understanding HS codes for travel bags
  • saddlery and harness classification in HS-4201
  • what to know about leather goods tariffs
  • finding the right HS-4 code for handbags
  • compliance requirements for leather apparel
  • articles of gut and their HS classification
  • using HS-4202 for travel goods and cases

Examples & common questions

Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.

Example products

  • Saddles and harnesses for horses and other animals
  • Leather handbags and travel bags
  • Suitcases and camera cases made from leather or similar materials
  • Leather gloves and clothing accessories
  • Travel tool bags primarily made of leather or textile
  • Dog coats and other animal apparel
  • Leather articles not elsewhere classified in this chapter
  • Articles made from animal gut, such as bladders or tendons

Common classification questions

  • What are the HS codes for leather travel goods?
  • How do I classify saddlery and harness for customs?
  • What products fall under HS Chapter 42?
  • Are there specific tariffs for leather handbags?
  • How do I find the right HS-4 code for my leather goods?
  • What is included in HS-4203 for leather apparel?
  • Can I use HS-4205 for mixed material leather products?
  • What are the regulations for importing articles of gut?

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of products are included in Chapter 42?
Chapter 42 includes leather articles, saddlery and harness, travel goods like handbags and suitcases, and articles made from animal gut.
How do I determine the correct HS-4 code for my leather goods?
You can determine the correct HS-4 code by reviewing the detailed descriptions under each HS-4 heading in Chapter 42.
Are there specific customs regulations for importing leather articles?
Yes, there are specific customs regulations and tariffs that apply to leather articles, so it's important to classify your products accurately.
What is the difference between HS-4201 and HS-4202?
HS-4201 covers saddlery and harness for animals, while HS-4202 pertains to travel goods and bags made primarily of leather or similar materials.
Can I use HS-4205 for leather products that don't fit other categories?
Yes, HS-4205 is for leather or composition leather articles not elsewhere classified in Chapter 42.
What should I do if I'm unsure about the classification of my goods?
If you're unsure, consider consulting a customs broker or checking with your local customs authority for guidance on classification.

All HS-4 headings in chapter 42 (5)

Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.

HS-4WCO heading textBrowse
4201Saddlery and harness for any animal (including traces, leads, knee pads, muzzles, saddle cloths, saddle bags, dog coats and the like) of any material
4202Trunks; suit, camera, jewellery, cutlery cases; travel, tool, similar bags; wholly or mainly covered by leather, composition leather, plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanised fibre, paperboard
4203Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather or of composition leather
4205Leather or composition leather articles n.e.c. in chapter 42
4206Articles of gut (other than silk-worm gut), of goldbeater's skin, of bladders or of tendons

HS-4 directory (chapter 42)

Browse first heading (HS-4 4201)

Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (4201). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.

Before you file customs documents

Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.

How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.

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