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FREE REFERENCE · 2026 EDITION

HS Code 4202 & Import Duty
Reference for Bags

The harmonized-system codes and indicative import duty rates buyers use to cost handbags across major markets. Updated for 2026.

On this page

  1. What Is HS Code 4202
  2. HS 4202 Subheadings
  3. Duty Rates by Country
  4. VAT / GST Notes
  5. Using This for Landed Cost

What Is HS Code 4202?

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.

Note: rates below are indicative for 2026 and change with trade policy. Always confirm with a licensed customs broker before shipping.

HS 4202 Subheadings (by material / type)

CodeCoversTypical examples
4202.11Trunks, suitcases (hard)Rigid luggage
4202.12Suitcases (soft, surface leathered)Soft-shell luggage
4202.21Handbags (leather / leathered surface)Leather totes, satchels
4202.22Handbags (plastic / textile / other)PU, canvas, nylon handbags
4202.31Wallets, purses (leather)Leather wallets
4202.32Wallets, purses (other)PU / fabric wallets
4202.92Backpacks, travel/sports bags (other materials)School, hiking, gym bags
4202.99Other (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.

Indicative Import Duty Rates by Country (2026)

MarketHandbag duty (HS 4202)Notes
United States8.7% – 17.6%HTS 4202.22; leather (4202.21) often higher. No de minimis relief for commercial shipments.
European Union3% – 8%Common External Tariff; REACH mandatory. NL guide → / IT guide →
United Kingdom3% – 8%Post-Brexit UKGT; similar to EU band.
Canada5% – 17.5%Varies by material; CUSMA may reduce if qualifying.
Australia5% (or 0% under ChAFTA)China-Australia FTA can zero the rate with valid certificate. AU guide →
New Zealand0% (China-NZ FTA)Generally duty-free with FTA proof. NZ guide →
Singapore0%Free port; no customs duty on bags. SG guide →
Japan3% – 4%WTO bound rate; RCEP may reduce.
IsraelReduced via CIFTAChina-Israel FTA phased cuts. IL guide →
Poland (EU)3% – 8%EU CET applies. PL guide →

VAT / GST Notes

MarketConsumption taxApplies to
EU (incl. NL, IT, PL)19% – 23% VATCIF + duty (import VAT, recoverable for B2B)
UK20% VATCIF + duty
Australia10% GSTGoods > AUD 1,000 threshold
New Zealand15% GSTAll commercial imports
Singapore9% GSTGoods > SGD 400
Israel17% VATCIF + duty
Canada5% GST + provincialCIF + duty
Import VAT/GST is usually recoverable for registered B2B importers — it is a cash-flow item, not a permanent cost. Build it into working capital, not just landed cost.

Using This for Landed Cost

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.

  1. Identify the correct HS subheading for your bag material.
  2. Look up the destination-market duty band above.
  3. Add the consumption tax base (CIF + duty).
  4. Add freight and a 3–5% misc buffer.
  5. Compare with a domestic-sourced alternative to judge competitiveness.

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 →.

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