The harmonized-system codes and indicative import duty rates buyers use to cost handbags across major markets. Updated for 2026.
Almost every handbag ships under HS 4202 — 4202.21 if the outer surface is leather, 4202.22 if it is PU, canvas or nylon. The sub-code you declare drives your duty rate, so lock it with your supplier before you ship.
| Your bag | HS code | US duty (indicative) | EU / UK duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather handbag | 4202.21 | 8.7% – 17.6% | 3% – 8% |
| PU / synthetic handbag | 4202.22 | 8.7% – 17.6% | 3% – 8% |
| Canvas / nylon tote | 4202.22 | 8.7% – 17.6% | 3% – 8% |
| Backpack / gym bag | 4202.92 | 17.6% | 3% – 8% |
| Wallet / purse | 4202.31 / .32 | 8.7% – 17.6% | 3% – 8% |
Send us your material and photos — we confirm the classification and quote the landed cost within 12 hours.
Sourcing the bag itself? See our custom handbag manufacturing, clutch purses, shoulder bags and evening bags pages.
HS (Harmonized System) 4202 covers "travel goods, handbags and similar containers" made of leather, plastic, textile, or other materials. It is the umbrella code under which most handbags, backpacks, and wallets are classified for customs. The exact subheading depends on the primary material and shape. Correct classification determines your duty rate — misclassification risks penalties and delays.
| Code | Covers | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| 4202.11 | Trunks, suitcases (hard) | Rigid luggage |
| 4202.12 | Suitcases (soft, surface leathered) | Soft-shell luggage |
| 4202.21 | Handbags (leather / leathered surface) | Leather totes, satchels |
| 4202.22 | Handbags (plastic / textile / other) | PU, canvas, nylon handbags |
| 4202.31 | Wallets, purses (leather) | Leather wallets |
| 4202.32 | Wallets, purses (other) | PU / fabric wallets |
| 4202.92 | Backpacks, travel/sports bags (other materials) | School, hiking, gym bags |
| 4202.99 | Other (toiletry, tool, insulated bags, etc.) | Cosmetic, lunch, tool bags |
Most fashion handbags fall under 4202.21 (leather) or 4202.22 (PU / canvas / nylon). The split is the single biggest driver of your duty rate in some markets.
| Market | Handbag duty (HS 4202) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 8.7% – 17.6% | HTS 4202.22; leather (4202.21) often higher. No de minimis relief for commercial shipments. |
| European Union | 3% – 8% | Common External Tariff; REACH mandatory. NL guide → / IT guide → |
| United Kingdom | 3% – 8% | Post-Brexit UKGT; similar to EU band. |
| Canada | 5% – 17.5% | Varies by material; CUSMA may reduce if qualifying. |
| Australia | 5% (or 0% under ChAFTA) | China-Australia FTA can zero the rate with valid certificate. AU guide → |
| New Zealand | 0% (China-NZ FTA) | Generally duty-free with FTA proof. NZ guide → |
| Singapore | 0% | Free port; no customs duty on bags. SG guide → |
| Japan | 3% – 4% | WTO bound rate; RCEP may reduce. |
| Israel | Reduced via CIFTA | China-Israel FTA phased cuts. IL guide → |
| Poland (EU) | 3% – 8% | EU CET applies. PL guide → |
| Market | Consumption tax | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| EU (incl. NL, IT, PL) | 19% – 23% VAT | CIF + duty (import VAT, recoverable for B2B) |
| UK | 20% VAT | CIF + duty |
| Australia | 10% GST | Goods > AUD 1,000 threshold |
| New Zealand | 15% GST | All commercial imports |
| Singapore | 9% GST | Goods > SGD 400 |
| Israel | 17% VAT | CIF + duty |
| Canada | 5% GST + provincial | CIF + duty |
Landed cost = FOB product price + international freight + insurance + import duty + VAT/GST + local handling. A bag quoted at $10 FOB can land at $13–$15 after duties and tax.
For a full country-by-country walkthrough, see our import guides: General import guide →, Incoterms explained →, and the regional guides linked above.
Want a custom landed-cost estimate for your order? Request a quote →.
Wholesale Handbags by Region & Channel
Classification drives duty, and the deciding factor is almost always the outer surface material, not the bag's function or name. A tote and a backpack can fall under the same subheading if both have a plastic sheet exterior. Use this map as a first pass, then confirm with your broker against the actual sample.
| Subheading | Covers | Outer surface |
|---|---|---|
| 4202.11 | Handbags with or without shoulder strap | Leather, composition leather, patent leather |
| 4202.12 | Handbags | Plastic sheeting or textile materials |
| 4202.19 | Handbags | Other materials (e.g. paper, wood, plant fibre) |
| 4202.21 | Handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap | Leather, composition leather, patent leather |
| 4202.22 | Handbags | Plastic sheeting or textile materials |
| 4202.29 | Handbags | Other materials |
| 4202.31 / 32 / 39 | Articles normally carried in pocket or handbag | Leather / plastic-textile / other |
| 4202.91 / 92 / 99 | Other containers (backpacks, travel, tool, sports) | Leather / plastic-textile / other |
We supply the commercial invoice, packing list and a materials declaration with every shipment so your broker has the evidence needed to defend the classification. If you need a binding ruling, we will provide material swatches and construction details in the format your broker requests.
Most textile-material totes fall under the 4202 subheading for outer surface of textile materials, but a visible plastic coating can change the classification. The outer surface material governs, not the retail name. Confirm with your broker against the actual sample.
Yes. We issue a materials declaration alongside the commercial invoice and packing list so your broker has the evidence needed to support the declared subheading.
Yes. We provide material swatches and construction details in the format your broker requests when you are applying for a binding ruling.