Chapter 42 covers articles of leather, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers, articles of animal gut (other than silkworm gut), etc. Goods in this chapter are mainly made from leather, composition leather, sheets of plastics, textile materials, vulcanised fibre, etc., through molding, cutting, sewing and other processes. Note that this chapter does not include garments of textile materials (Chapters 61-62) or footwear (Chapter 64), but does include similar containers with the appearance of leather or plastics. Heading 4202 includes trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases and similar containers; travelling-bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, rucksacks, handbags, shopping-bags, wallets, purses, map-cases, cigarette-cases, tobacco-pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle-cases, jewellery boxes, powder-boxes, cutlery cases and similar containers, of leather or of composition leather, of sheeting of plastics, of textile materials, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper. First 2 digits 42: indicates Chapter 42, covering articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silkworm gut). Digits 3-4, 02: indicates heading 4202, specifically trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases and similar containers; travelling-bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, rucksacks, handbags, shopping-bags, wallets, purses, map-cases, cigarette-cases, tobacco-pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle-cases, jewellery boxes, powder-boxes, cutlery cases and similar containers. Digits 5-6, 19: indicates subheading 4202.19, i.e., handbags of other materials, whether or not with shoulder strap or handle. Note that subheading 4202.1 covers handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap or handle, including those of sheeting of plastics, textile materials, vulcanised fibre or paperboard. The product is a handbag, and the material is not sheeting of plastics, textile materials, vulcanised fibre or paperboard (these materials are classified under 4202.12, 4202.22, 4202.32, etc.), nor is it leather or composition leather (classified under 4202.11, 4202.21, 4202.31, etc.), therefore it is classified under 4202.19 'handbags of other materials'. Note that if the handbag is of textile materials, it should be classified under 4202.22; if of sheeting of plastics, under 4202.12; if of leather, under 4202.11.
Chapter
Chapter 42 covers articles of leather, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers, articles of animal gut (other than silkworm gut), etc. Goods in this chapter are mainly made from leather, composition leather, sheets of plastics, textile materials, vulcanised fibre, etc., through molding, cutting, sewing and other processes. Note that this chapter does not include garments of textile materials (Chapters 61-62) or footwear (Chapter 64), but does include similar containers with the appearance of leather or plastics.
Heading
Heading 4202 includes trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases and similar containers; travelling-bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, rucksacks, handbags, shopping-bags, wallets, purses, map-cases, cigarette-cases, tobacco-pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle-cases, jewellery boxes, powder-boxes, cutlery cases and similar containers, of leather or of composition leather, of sheeting of plastics, of textile materials, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 42: indicates Chapter 42, covering articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silkworm gut). Digits 3-4, 02: indicates heading 4202, specifically trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases and similar containers; travelling-bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, rucksacks, handbags, shopping-bags, wallets, purses, map-cases, cigarette-cases, tobacco-pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle-cases, jewellery boxes, powder-boxes, cutlery cases and similar containers. Digits 5-6, 19: indicates subheading 4202.19, i.e., handbags of other materials, whether or not with shoulder strap or handle. Note that subheading 4202.1 covers handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap or handle, including those of sheeting of plastics, textile materials, vulcanised fibre or paperboard.
Classification Basis
The product is a handbag, and the material is not sheeting of plastics, textile materials, vulcanised fibre or paperboard (these materials are classified under 4202.12, 4202.22, 4202.32, etc.), nor is it leather or composition leather (classified under 4202.11, 4202.21, 4202.31, etc.), therefore it is classified under 4202.19 'handbags of other materials'. Note that if the handbag is of textile materials, it should be classified under 4202.22; if of sheeting of plastics, under 4202.12; if of leather, under 4202.11.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product, such as 'handbag', 'ladies' handbag', etc., which should accurately reflect the product's attributes. Material: Detailed description of the main material of the handbag, such as 'metal', 'wooden', 'rattan woven', 'stone', etc., specifying the type of material. Type: Indicating the type of handbag, such as 'handbag', 'shoulder bag', 'clutch bag', etc., which must be consistent with the HS code definition. Brand: The brand name of the declared product (if any); if no brand, fill in 'none'. Model: The model or item number of the declared product for identification. Specifications: Specification information such as dimensions and capacity of the declared product, e.g., 'length 30cm × width 20cm × height 10cm'. With or without shoulder strap or handle: Indicating whether the handbag has a shoulder strap or handle, which affects subheading classification. Product Name: Ladies' handbag; Material: Metal (aluminum alloy frame, covered with artificial leather); Type: Handbag; Brand: ABC; Model: XY-123; Specifications: Length 25cm × Width 10cm × Height 18cm; With or without shoulder strap or handle: With handle. Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only 'other materials'; it should be clarified as metal, wooden, rattan woven, etc. Incorrectly classifying a textile material handbag under 420219; it should actually be classified under 420222. Ignoring the 'with or without shoulder strap or handle' element, which affects subheading classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product, such as 'handbag', 'ladies' handbag', etc., which should accurately reflect the product's attributes.
⚠️ Writing only 'bag' or 'sack', which is too general; or incorrectly writing 'wallet', 'backpack', etc.
Material
Detailed description of the main material of the handbag, such as 'metal', 'wooden', 'rattan woven', 'stone', etc., specifying the type of material.
⚠️ Writing only 'other materials' without specifics; or incorrectly reporting as 'plastics', 'textile', etc.
Type
Indicating the type of handbag, such as 'handbag', 'shoulder bag', 'clutch bag', etc., which must be consistent with the HS code definition.
⚠️ Incorrectly reporting a 'backpack' as a 'handbag', leading to classification errors.
Brand
The brand name of the declared product (if any); if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Failing to report the brand or misspelling, affecting customs protection of intellectual property rights.
Model
The model or item number of the declared product for identification.
⚠️ Incomplete model number or inconsistent with the actual product.
Specifications
Specification information such as dimensions and capacity of the declared product, e.g., 'length 30cm × width 20cm × height 10cm'.
⚠️ Vague specification descriptions, such as 'large', 'small'.
With or without shoulder strap or handle
Indicating whether the handbag has a shoulder strap or handle, which affects subheading classification.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, leading to incorrect subheading classification.
Example： Product Name: Ladies' handbag; Material: Metal (aluminum alloy frame, covered with artificial leather); Type: Handbag; Brand: ABC; Model: XY-123; Specifications: Length 25cm × Width 10cm × Height 18cm; With or without shoulder strap or handle: With handle.
Common Mistakes：
Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only 'other materials'; it should be clarified as metal, wooden, rattan woven, etc.
Incorrectly classifying a textile material handbag under 420219; it should actually be classified under 420222.
Ignoring the 'with or without shoulder strap or handle' element, which affects subheading classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criterion for classification is the material of the handbag. According to the HS code, 4202.1 covers handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap or handle, and is further subdivided by material: 4202.11 for leather or composition leather; 4202.12 for sheeting of plastics or textile materials; 4202.19 for other materials. Therefore, if the handbag is made of metal, wood, rattan, stone, or other non-leather, non-plastic sheeting, non-textile materials, it is classified under 4202.19. 420211 Handbags of leather or composition leather: Material is leather or composition leather, whereas 420219 is for other materials. 420212 Handbags of sheeting of plastics or textile materials: Material is sheeting of plastics or textile materials, whereas 420219 is for other materials. 420221 Handbags of leather or composition leather (other): Note the difference between 420221 and 420211: 420211 is for handbags, 420221 is for other handbags (such as shopping bags, etc.), but both are of leather. 420222 Handbags of sheeting of plastics or textile materials (other): Material is sheeting of plastics or textile materials, and the type is other handbags. 420291 Handbags of other materials (other): 420291 is for other handbags of other materials (such as shopping bags), whereas 420219 is for handbags of other materials. Is the material confirmed to be non-leather, non-plastic sheeting, non-textile? Is it a handbag, rather than a backpack, wallet, or other container? Does it have a shoulder strap or handle? Are the declaration elements such as brand and model complete? Is it confused with adjacent codes such as 420212, 420222, etc.?
Basis
The core criterion for classification is the material of the handbag. According to the HS code, 4202.1 covers handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap or handle, and is further subdivided by material: 4202.11 for leather or composition leather; 4202.12 for sheeting of plastics or textile materials; 4202.19 for other materials. Therefore, if the handbag is made of metal, wood, rattan, stone, or other non-leather, non-plastic sheeting, non-textile materials, it is classified under 4202.19.
Confused Codes：
420211 - Handbags of leather or composition leather
Material is leather or composition leather, whereas 420219 is for other materials.
420212 - Handbags of sheeting of plastics or textile materials
Material is sheeting of plastics or textile materials, whereas 420219 is for other materials.
420221 - Handbags of leather or composition leather (other)
Note the difference between 420221 and 420211: 420211 is for handbags, 420221 is for other handbags (such as shopping bags, etc.), but both are of leather.
420222 - Handbags of sheeting of plastics or textile materials (other)
Material is sheeting of plastics or textile materials, and the type is other handbags.
420291 - Handbags of other materials (other)
420291 is for other handbags of other materials (such as shopping bags), whereas 420219 is for handbags of other materials.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material confirmed to be non-leather, non-plastic sheeting, non-textile?
✓ Is it a handbag, rather than a backpack, wallet, or other container?
✓ Does it have a shoulder strap or handle?
✓ Are the declaration elements such as brand and model complete?
✓ Is it confused with adjacent codes such as 420212, 420222, etc.?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the tariff rate for 420219? You can inquire through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window by entering HS code 420219 to view the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax rates. Note that rates may vary by country and trade agreements (such as RCEP), and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data. Why is a metal handbag classified under 420219? Because under 4202.1, handbags are subdivided by material, and metal is not leather, plastic sheeting, or textile material, so it is classified under 4202.19 'handbags of other materials'. If a metal handbag has leather decoration, it is still determined by the main material. Which code should a textile material handbag be classified under? Textile material handbags should be classified under 4202.12 (handbags of sheeting of plastics or textile materials). If it is another handbag of textile materials (such as a shopping bag), it is classified under 4202.22. Note the distinction between handbags and other containers. How should the material be described during declaration? The main material should be specifically described, such as 'metal (aluminum alloy)', 'wooden', 'rattan woven', etc. Avoid general terms like 'other materials', otherwise customs may require supplementary declaration or question the classification. What is the difference between 420219 and 420221? 420219 is for handbags of other materials, 420221 is for handbags of leather or composition leather (other). The materials are different, and 420221 belongs to the 'other handbags' subheading, usually referring to shopping bags, etc., while 420219 specifically refers to handbags. How to determine the HS code for handbags sold via cross-border e-commerce? First determine the main material of the handbag, then select the corresponding subheading based on the material: leather under 420211, plastic sheeting or textile materials under 420212, other materials under 420219. Also note whether it has a shoulder strap or handle, and whether it is a handbag rather than a backpack. How to classify a handbag made of multiple materials? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, classification should be based on the main material. If the main material cannot be determined, refer to the 'Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System' or apply for pre-classification. Usually, the material with the largest proportion by weight or value is used. What is the export tax rebate rate for 420219? The export tax rebate rate needs to be checked in the latest export tax rebate rate library issued by the State Administration of Taxation. It can usually be queried by HS code 420219, and the rebate rate may change due to policy adjustments; it is recommended to rely on official publications.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff rate for 420219?
A: You can inquire through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window by entering HS code 420219 to view the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax rates. Note that rates may vary by country and trade agreements (such as RCEP), and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data.
Q: Why is a metal handbag classified under 420219?
A: Because under 4202.1, handbags are subdivided by material, and metal is not leather, plastic sheeting, or textile material, so it is classified under 4202.19 'handbags of other materials'. If a metal handbag has leather decoration, it is still determined by the main material.
Q: Which code should a textile material handbag be classified under?
A: Textile material handbags should be classified under 4202.12 (handbags of sheeting of plastics or textile materials). If it is another handbag of textile materials (such as a shopping bag), it is classified under 4202.22. Note the distinction between handbags and other containers.
Q: How should the material be described during declaration?
A: The main material should be specifically described, such as 'metal (aluminum alloy)', 'wooden', 'rattan woven', etc. Avoid general terms like 'other materials', otherwise customs may require supplementary declaration or question the classification.
Q: What is the difference between 420219 and 420221?
A: 420219 is for handbags of other materials, 420221 is for handbags of leather or composition leather (other). The materials are different, and 420221 belongs to the 'other handbags' subheading, usually referring to shopping bags, etc., while 420219 specifically refers to handbags.
Q: How to determine the HS code for handbags sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: First determine the main material of the handbag, then select the corresponding subheading based on the material: leather under 420211, plastic sheeting or textile materials under 420212, other materials under 420219. Also note whether it has a shoulder strap or handle, and whether it is a handbag rather than a backpack.
Q: How to classify a handbag made of multiple materials?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, classification should be based on the main material. If the main material cannot be determined, refer to the 'Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System' or apply for pre-classification. Usually, the material with the largest proportion by weight or value is used.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 420219?
A: The export tax rebate rate needs to be checked in the latest export tax rebate rate library issued by the State Administration of Taxation. It can usually be queried by HS code 420219, and the rebate rate may change due to policy adjustments; it is recommended to rely on official publications.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.