Chapter 42 covers leather goods, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers, articles of gut, etc. The goods in this chapter are mainly made of leather or composition leather, but also include containers made of plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanized fiber, etc. The headings within the chapter are divided by the use and material of the goods, such as 4201 for saddlery, 4202 for trunks, bags and containers, and 4203 for leather clothing. Heading 4202 includes trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers, as well as travel bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, backpacks, shopping bags, etc. These containers may be made of leather, plastics, textile materials, vulcanized fiber or paperboard. This heading covers various bags for daily and travel use, but excludes containers specially designed for particular articles (such as camera cases, musical instrument cases, etc.). The first 2 digits 42 represent Chapter 42: Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut. Digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 4202: Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers; travel bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, backpacks, shopping bags, wallets, etc. Digits 5-6, 42, represent subheading 4202.42: Backpacks with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials. Among these, 42 is the subheading number, indicating backpacks with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. Note: Subheading 4202.42 covers only backpacks, not other containers. The product is a backpack with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials, so it is classified under 4202.42. If the backpack's outer surface is of leather or composition leather, it should be classified under 4202.91; if it is of other materials (such as metal, rubber, etc.), it should be classified under 4202.99. In addition, if the backpack is specially designed to hold particular articles (such as cameras or musical instruments), it may be classified under other headings (such as 4202.92 for insulated bags, etc.).
Chapter
Chapter 42 covers leather goods, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers, articles of gut, etc. The goods in this chapter are mainly made of leather or composition leather, but also include containers made of plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanized fiber, etc. The headings within the chapter are divided by the use and material of the goods, such as 4201 for saddlery, 4202 for trunks, bags and containers, and 4203 for leather clothing.
Heading
Heading 4202 includes trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers, as well as travel bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, backpacks, shopping bags, etc. These containers may be made of leather, plastics, textile materials, vulcanized fiber or paperboard. This heading covers various bags for daily and travel use, but excludes containers specially designed for particular articles (such as camera cases, musical instrument cases, etc.).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 42 represent Chapter 42: Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut. Digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 4202: Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers; travel bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, backpacks, shopping bags, wallets, etc. Digits 5-6, 42, represent subheading 4202.42: Backpacks with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials. Among these, 42 is the subheading number, indicating backpacks with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. Note: Subheading 4202.42 covers only backpacks, not other containers.
Classification Basis
The product is a backpack with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials, so it is classified under 4202.42. If the backpack's outer surface is of leather or composition leather, it should be classified under 4202.91; if it is of other materials (such as metal, rubber, etc.), it should be classified under 4202.99. In addition, if the backpack is specially designed to hold particular articles (such as cameras or musical instruments), it may be classified under other headings (such as 4202.92 for insulated bags, etc.).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign names of the goods, which should be accurately described as "backpack" or "knapsack", and indicate the material. Brand: Fill in the brand of the goods (if no brand, fill in "unbranded"), which must be consistent with the actual product or authorization documents. Outer Surface Material: Specify in detail the material of the backpack's outer surface, such as "plastics", "textile materials" (e.g., nylon, polyester), etc. Type: Specific type, such as "knapsack", "student schoolbag", "mountaineering backpack", etc. Specification/Model: Fill in the backpack's dimensions, capacity or model, such as "30cm×20cm×10cm" or "Model ABC123". GTIN: If there is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), fill it in; if not, fill in "none". Use: Explain the main use of the backpack, such as "daily use", "travel", "for students", etc. Product Name: Knapsack; Brand: Unbranded; Outer Surface Material: Polyester textile material; Type: Student schoolbag; Specification/Model: 40cm×30cm×15cm; GTIN: None; Use: Daily use for students. Inaccurate declaration of outer surface material, misreporting plastics as textiles or vice versa. Missing or incorrect brand column, leading to customs questioning or intellectual property issues. Incomplete specification/model filling, affecting customs' classification judgment of the goods.
Product Name
Declare the Chinese and foreign names of the goods, which should be accurately described as "backpack" or "knapsack", and indicate the material.
⚠️ Only writing "bag" or "sack" without specifying it as a backpack.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the goods (if no brand, fill in "unbranded"), which must be consistent with the actual product or authorization documents.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing brand, leading to infringement risks.
Outer Surface Material
Specify in detail the material of the backpack's outer surface, such as "plastics", "textile materials" (e.g., nylon, polyester), etc.
⚠️ Vaguely writing "cloth" or "leather" without distinguishing between plastics and textiles.
Type
Specific type, such as "knapsack", "student schoolbag", "mountaineering backpack", etc.
⚠️ Unclear type description that does not match the code.
Specification/Model
Fill in the backpack's dimensions, capacity or model, such as "30cm×20cm×10cm" or "Model ABC123".
⚠️ Incomplete specifications or inconsistency with the actual product.
GTIN
If there is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), fill it in; if not, fill in "none".
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in other codes or leaving blank.
Use
Explain the main use of the backpack, such as "daily use", "travel", "for students", etc.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as "for holding things".
Inaccurate declaration of outer surface material, misreporting plastics as textiles or vice versa.
Missing or incorrect brand column, leading to customs questioning or intellectual property issues.
Incomplete specification/model filling, affecting customs' classification judgment of the goods.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the outer surface material of the backpack. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, subheading 4202.42 applies only to backpacks with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials. If the surface is of leather or composition leather, it is classified under 4202.91; if it is of other materials (such as metal, rubber), it is classified under 4202.99. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the backpack does not belong to other headings (such as backpacks specially designed for cameras, classified under 4202.92 or camera cases). 4202.91 Backpacks with an outer surface of leather or composition leather: The outer surface material is leather or composition leather, while 4202.42 is plastics or textile materials. 4202.92 Other containers (such as insulated bags, toilet bags): 4202.92 covers insulated bags, toilet bags, etc., and backpacks are not classified under this subheading. 4202.99 Backpacks with an outer surface of other materials: The surface is of other materials such as metal or rubber, while 4202.42 is plastics or textiles. 4202.12 Trunks, suitcases, etc., with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials: 4202.12 is for trunks, suitcases, etc., not backpacks. 6305.32 Sacks and bags of textile materials for packing goods: 6305 is for packing bags, not personal backpacks. Confirm whether the backpack's outer surface is plastic or textile material. Confirm that the backpack is not a container specially designed for particular articles. Confirm that declaration elements such as brand and specifications are consistent with the actual product. Confirm whether intellectual property authorization documents are required. Confirm whether other regulatory conditions are involved (such as endangered species).
Basis
The core basis for classification is the outer surface material of the backpack. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, subheading 4202.42 applies only to backpacks with an outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile materials. If the surface is of leather or composition leather, it is classified under 4202.91; if it is of other materials (such as metal, rubber), it is classified under 4202.99. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the backpack does not belong to other headings (such as backpacks specially designed for cameras, classified under 4202.92 or camera cases).
Confused Codes：
4202.91 - Backpacks with an outer surface of leather or composition leather
The outer surface material is leather or composition leather, while 4202.42 is plastics or textile materials.
4202.92 - Other containers (such as insulated bags, toilet bags)
4202.92 covers insulated bags, toilet bags, etc., and backpacks are not classified under this subheading.
4202.99 - Backpacks with an outer surface of other materials
The surface is of other materials such as metal or rubber, while 4202.42 is plastics or textiles.
4202.12 - Trunks, suitcases, etc., with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials
4202.12 is for trunks, suitcases, etc., not backpacks.
6305.32 - Sacks and bags of textile materials for packing goods
6305 is for packing bags, not personal backpacks.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the backpack's outer surface is plastic or textile material.
✓ Confirm that the backpack is not a container specially designed for particular articles.
✓ Confirm that declaration elements such as brand and specifications are consistent with the actual product.
✓ Confirm whether intellectual property authorization documents are required.
✓ Confirm whether other regulatory conditions are involved (such as endangered species).
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether the backpack's surface material is plastic or textile? Observe the backpack's outer surface. If it is plastic sheeting (such as PVC, PU), classify as plastics; if it is textile material (such as nylon, polyester, canvas), classify as textile. If the two materials are mixed, the main outer surface material shall prevail. If a backpack has leather trim, which code should it be classified under? If leather is only used as decoration and the main surface is still plastic or textile, classify under 4202.42; if leather constitutes the main outer surface, classify under 4202.91. Is there any difference in classification between student schoolbags and ordinary backpacks? No difference; both are classified according to surface material under 4202.42 (plastics or textile) or 4202.91 (leather). Is the HS code of a backpack affected by brand? HS code classification is not directly affected by brand, but the brand may involve intellectual property, and authorization must be provided at the time of declaration. How to check the import tariff rate for backpacks? According to HS code 4202.42, check China Customs' Import and Export Tariff or obtain the latest tariff rate through the General Administration of Customs website or tariff inquiry platforms. Among the declaration elements for backpacks, is GTIN mandatory? If available, fill it in; if not, fill in "none". GTIN is not a mandatory element, but truthful declaration is recommended. Can simplified declaration be used for cross-border e-commerce retail export of backpacks? Eligible small-value exports may use simplified declaration, but the HS code must be accurate to avoid affecting tax refunds or supervision. If a backpack has electronic components (such as a USB charging port), will the classification change? If the electronic components are only ancillary functions and do not change the backpack's essential character, it is still classified under 4202.42. If they constitute the main function, it may be classified under other chapters.
Q: How to determine whether the backpack's surface material is plastic or textile?
A: Observe the backpack's outer surface. If it is plastic sheeting (such as PVC, PU), classify as plastics; if it is textile material (such as nylon, polyester, canvas), classify as textile. If the two materials are mixed, the main outer surface material shall prevail.
Q: If a backpack has leather trim, which code should it be classified under?
A: If leather is only used as decoration and the main surface is still plastic or textile, classify under 4202.42; if leather constitutes the main outer surface, classify under 4202.91.
Q: Is there any difference in classification between student schoolbags and ordinary backpacks?
A: No difference; both are classified according to surface material under 4202.42 (plastics or textile) or 4202.91 (leather).
Q: Is the HS code of a backpack affected by brand?
A: HS code classification is not directly affected by brand, but the brand may involve intellectual property, and authorization must be provided at the time of declaration.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for backpacks?
A: According to HS code 4202.42, check China Customs' Import and Export Tariff or obtain the latest tariff rate through the General Administration of Customs website or tariff inquiry platforms.
Q: Among the declaration elements for backpacks, is GTIN mandatory?
A: If available, fill it in; if not, fill in "none". GTIN is not a mandatory element, but truthful declaration is recommended.
Q: Can simplified declaration be used for cross-border e-commerce retail export of backpacks?
A: Eligible small-value exports may use simplified declaration, but the HS code must be accurate to avoid affecting tax refunds or supervision.
Q: If a backpack has electronic components (such as a USB charging port), will the classification change?
A: If the electronic components are only ancillary functions and do not change the backpack's essential character, it is still classified under 4202.42. If they constitute the main function, it may be classified under other chapters.
⚠️ 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.