What is the HS code for handbags?

Handbags are classified under HS Chapter 4202. The most common codes are: HS 4202.11 (handbags of leather or composition leather), HS 4202.12 (handbags with outer surface of plastic sheeting / PU), and HS 4202.21 (handbags with outer surface of textile materials, e.g. canvas, nylon, polyester). Backpacks fall under 4202.31/4202.32/4202.92 by material.

What is the import duty on handbags in the US?

In the United States, most handbags imported under HTS 4202.11/4202.12/4202.21 enter at a low or zero Most-Favored-Nation rate (commonly 0%–10% depending on material and specific HTS subheading). Leather handbags may carry a higher rate than synthetic. Verify the exact HTS with a licensed US customs broker before shipping.

What is the import duty on handbags in the EU and UK?

The EU applies roughly 3%–4% on leather handbags and about 3% on synthetic handbags under TARIC 4202. The United Kingdom applies similar rates (around 3%–4%) under its Generalised Tariff. VAT (typically 19%–23%) is charged on top at import.

What are the import duties for handbags into the UAE and Saudi Arabia (GCC)?

The GCC common tariff is generally 5% on handbags, with leather handbags sometimes up to 10% depending on the HS subheading. The UAE and Saudi Arabia also apply 5% VAT. Saudi Arabia may require SABER conformity registration for certain classifications. Jinman provides commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin for clearance.

Handbag HS Code & Import Duty Reference 2026

Disclaimer: Rates below are indicative and based on publicly available tariff schedules as of 2026. They change and vary by exact HS subheading, material and trade agreement. Always confirm with a licensed customs broker or the official tariff database of your country before shipping. Jinman Bags supplies all documents needed for clearance.

1. What HS code are handbags?

Handbags, backpacks and similar carriers are classified under HS Chapter 4202 ("Trunks, suitcases, handbags, backpacks and similar containers"). The subheading depends on the outer material:

HS Code	Covers	Typical material
`4202.11`	Handbags	Leather or composition leather
`4202.12`	Handbags	Plastic sheeting (PU / PVC)
`4202.21`	Handbags	Textile materials (canvas, nylon, polyester, jute)
`4202.31`	Backpacks	Leather or composition leather
`4202.32`	Backpacks	Plastic sheeting
`4202.92`	Backpacks	Other materials (canvas, woven, etc.)

For a precise HTS number (the 10-digit US version), describe your bag's main material and we will suggest the correct code on your commercial invoice.

2. Indicative import duty by market (2026)

Market	General duty on handbags	Notes
🇺🇸 United States	~0% – 10%	Many handbags enter at low/zero MFN; leather may be higher. HTS 4202.11–4202.21.
🇪🇺 European Union	~3% – 4%	Leather ~4%, synthetic ~3% (TARIC 4202). VAT 19%–23% on top.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	~3% – 4%	UK Global Tariff, similar to EU. VAT 20% on top.
🇦🇪 UAE / GCC	~5% (leather up to 10%)	GCC common tariff 5%; 5% VAT. Saudi may need SABER.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia	~5% + SABER	5% duty + 5% VAT; SABER conformity for some HS codes.
🇦🇺 Australia	~5%	General tariff; free under some FTA schedules.
🇨🇦 Canada	~0% – 9%	MFN varies by material; lower under CETA for EU-origin only.
🇮🇳 India	~10% – 20%	Higher protective tariff + IGST. Confirm per HS code.
🇿🇦 South Africa	~30% + VAT	High SADC external tariff + 15% VAT.

3. How duty affects your landed cost

Customs duty is calculated on the customs value (usually FOB price + international freight to the port of entry). A simple landed-cost estimate:

Landed cost = (FOB + freight) × (1 + duty%) + local clearance + VAT%

Example: a $10/pc PU tote, 500 pcs, FOB $5,000 + $800 freight to the US (≈0% duty) → ~$11.6/pc all-in. The same bag to the EU at 3% duty + 20% VAT lands higher but remains profitable at 3–5x retail.

4. Documents you need for clearance

Jinman Bags provides a full export document set for every shipment:

Commercial Invoice (with correct HS code & value)
Packing List
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Certificate of Origin
Material / compliance statements (REACH, CA Prop 65 on request)

For DDP shipping (duties & taxes prepaid), we handle customs on your behalf so the goods arrive at your door with no surprise fees — see our US & Europe and Gulf programs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a customs broker?

For first shipments, yes — a licensed broker files the entry and confirms the exact HTS. For repeat orders, many freight forwarders handle it automatically. We can recommend forwarders for your route.

Can Jinman declare a lower value to save duty?

No. We declare the true commercial value. Under-declaring is illegal and risks seizure. We keep your cost low through genuine factory-direct pricing instead.

Which is cheaper to import — leather or PU?

PU (HS 4202.12) usually faces equal or lower duty than leather (4202.11) in the EU/US, and costs far less per unit. For margin-focused brands, PU and canvas are the most duty-efficient choices.

Need a Landed-Cost Quote?

Tell us your country and target styles — we'll return a DDP (duty-paid) price within 1 hour, with the right HS code on the invoice.

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Handbag HS Code &Import Duty Reference 2026