Chapter 42 covers leather goods, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags, containers and similar articles, as well as articles of animal gut. This chapter mainly includes cases, bags and containers made of leather, composition leather, plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanized fiber or paperboard. Note that this chapter does not include ordinary packing containers clearly falling under Chapter 39 (plastics) or Chapter 48 (paper), nor does it include textile made-up articles of Chapter 63 (such as non-handbag shopping bags made of textile materials). Heading 4202 covers various travel goods, handbags, containers and similar articles, including trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases and similar containers. These containers may be made of leather, composition leather, plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanized fiber or paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials. However, this heading does not include plastic containers of Chapter 39 (such as ordinary plastic boxes) or paper boxes of Chapter 48. Code 420262 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "42" represent Chapter 42, i.e., leather goods, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers; digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 4202, i.e., trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers; digits 5-6 "62" represent subheading 4202.62, specifically "Trunks, suitcases and vanity cases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials". Among these, the 5th digit "6" indicates trunks, suitcases and vanity cases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials, and the 6th digit "2" further limits it to "suitcases" rather than other containers. This subheading is divided based on both material (plastics or textile materials) and use (suitcases). This product is a suitcase with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials, therefore classified under 4202.62. If the outer surface were leather or composition leather, it would be classified under 4202.61; if it were other materials (such as vulcanized fiber or paperboard), it would be classified under 4202.69. In addition, if it were an ordinary plastic packing box (not for travel), it should be classified under Chapter 39; if it were a paper packing box, it would be classified under Chapter 48.
Chapter
Chapter 42 covers leather goods, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags, containers and similar articles, as well as articles of animal gut. This chapter mainly includes cases, bags and containers made of leather, composition leather, plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanized fiber or paperboard. Note that this chapter does not include ordinary packing containers clearly falling under Chapter 39 (plastics) or Chapter 48 (paper), nor does it include textile made-up articles of Chapter 63 (such as non-handbag shopping bags made of textile materials).
Heading
Heading 4202 covers various travel goods, handbags, containers and similar articles, including trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases and similar containers. These containers may be made of leather, composition leather, plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanized fiber or paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials. However, this heading does not include plastic containers of Chapter 39 (such as ordinary plastic boxes) or paper boxes of Chapter 48.
Digit Breakdown
Code 420262 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "42" represent Chapter 42, i.e., leather goods, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers; digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 4202, i.e., trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers; digits 5-6 "62" represent subheading 4202.62, specifically "Trunks, suitcases and vanity cases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials". Among these, the 5th digit "6" indicates trunks, suitcases and vanity cases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials, and the 6th digit "2" further limits it to "suitcases" rather than other containers. This subheading is divided based on both material (plastics or textile materials) and use (suitcases).
Classification Basis
This product is a suitcase with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials, therefore classified under 4202.62. If the outer surface were leather or composition leather, it would be classified under 4202.61; if it were other materials (such as vulcanized fiber or paperboard), it would be classified under 4202.69. In addition, if it were an ordinary plastic packing box (not for travel), it should be classified under Chapter 39; if it were a paper packing box, it would be classified under Chapter 48.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "suitcase", "trolley case", "luggage", etc., which must be consistent with the actual product. Brand: Fill in the brand name (if no brand, fill in "no brand"), which must be consistent with the product labeling. Material: Provide a detailed description of the outer surface material of the case, such as "plastics (ABS)", "textile materials (nylon)", specifying the exact type. Specifications/Model: Fill in the dimensions (such as 20-inch, 24-inch) or model number to facilitate customs identification. Use: Clearly state "for travel" to distinguish it from briefcases, school satchels, etc. GTIN: If there is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), it must be filled in; if not, fill in "none". Quantity and Unit: Fill in the quantity of cases and the unit of measurement (such as "pieces"), which must be consistent with the invoice. Product Name: Suitcase; Brand: Samsonite; Material: Plastics (ABS); Specifications/Model: 20-inch; Use: For travel; GTIN: None; Quantity: 100 pieces. Material declaration is not specific, such as only filling in "plastics" without specifying ABS or PP, which easily leads to classification disputes. Mistakenly declaring a suitcase as a briefcase or school satchel, with inaccurate use description. Ignoring brand declaration, or the brand is inconsistent with the actual product, which may involve infringement.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "suitcase", "trolley case", "luggage", etc., which must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Declaring it generically as "bags" or "luggage" without specifying it as a suitcase.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (if no brand, fill in "no brand"), which must be consistent with the product labeling.
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer's name for the brand, or omitting the brand.
Material
Provide a detailed description of the outer surface material of the case, such as "plastics (ABS)", "textile materials (nylon)", specifying the exact type.
⚠️ Only filling in "plastics" or "fabric" without specifying the exact material.
Specifications/Model
Fill in the dimensions (such as 20-inch, 24-inch) or model number to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ Failing to provide dimensions or model number, resulting in classification difficulties.
Use
Clearly state "for travel" to distinguish it from briefcases, school satchels, etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in "for packaging" or "for storage".
GTIN
If there is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), it must be filled in; if not, fill in "none".
⚠️ Ignoring the GTIN or filling it in incorrectly.
Quantity and Unit
Fill in the quantity of cases and the unit of measurement (such as "pieces"), which must be consistent with the invoice.
⚠️ Filling in the unit as "cases" instead of "pieces", causing ambiguity in quantity.
Material declaration is not specific, such as only filling in "plastics" without specifying ABS or PP, which easily leads to classification disputes.
Mistakenly declaring a suitcase as a briefcase or school satchel, with inaccurate use description.
Ignoring brand declaration, or the brand is inconsistent with the actual product, which may involve infringement.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the "Import and Export Tariff" and the "Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System". Subheading 4202.62 explicitly applies to suitcases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. When determining, the following should be mainly considered: 1) whether the product is a suitcase (with travel features such as telescopic handles and wheels); 2) whether the outer surface material is plastics or textile materials (if leather, classify under 4202.61); 3) whether it falls within the scope of Chapter 42 (not ordinary containers of Chapter 39 or Chapter 48). 4202.61 Suitcases with outer surface of leather or composition leather: The outer surface material is leather or composition leather, whereas 4202.62 is plastics or textile materials. 4202.69 Suitcases with outer surface of other materials: The outer surface material is vulcanized fiber, paperboard, metal or other non-plastic, non-textile materials. 4202.12 Executive-cases with outer surface of plastics or textile materials: The use is executive-cases, which usually have no telescopic handles or wheels, whereas suitcases do. 4202.22 Handbags with outer surface of plastics or textile materials: Handbags are for daily carrying, not specialized travel cases. 3926.90 Other articles of plastics: Ordinary plastic boxes (not for travel) are classified under 3926, whereas suitcases are classified under 4202. Is it a case specifically for travel? Is the outer surface material plastics or textile materials? Does it have telescopic handles and wheels? Is it not made of leather or composition leather? Is it not an ordinary container of Chapter 39 or Chapter 48?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the "Import and Export Tariff" and the "Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System". Subheading 4202.62 explicitly applies to suitcases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. When determining, the following should be mainly considered: 1) whether the product is a suitcase (with travel features such as telescopic handles and wheels); 2) whether the outer surface material is plastics or textile materials (if leather, classify under 4202.61); 3) whether it falls within the scope of Chapter 42 (not ordinary containers of Chapter 39 or Chapter 48).
Confused Codes:
4202.61 - Suitcases with outer surface of leather or composition leather
The outer surface material is leather or composition leather, whereas 4202.62 is plastics or textile materials.
4202.69 - Suitcases with outer surface of other materials
The outer surface material is vulcanized fiber, paperboard, metal or other non-plastic, non-textile materials.
4202.12 - Executive-cases with outer surface of plastics or textile materials
The use is executive-cases, which usually have no telescopic handles or wheels, whereas suitcases do.
4202.22 - Handbags with outer surface of plastics or textile materials
Handbags are for daily carrying, not specialized travel cases.
3926.90 - Other articles of plastics
Ordinary plastic boxes (not for travel) are classified under 3926, whereas suitcases are classified under 4202.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it a case specifically for travel?
✓ Is the outer surface material plastics or textile materials?
✓ Does it have telescopic handles and wheels?
✓ Is it not made of leather or composition leather?
✓ Is it not an ordinary container of Chapter 39 or Chapter 48?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 420262? It can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China". By entering HS code 420262, you can view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax (if applicable). Tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to refer to the latest version. Do the telescopic handle and wheels of a suitcase affect classification? Telescopic handles and wheels are typical features of suitcases, which help distinguish them from briefcases or handbags. However, classification is mainly based on the outer surface material and use; the telescopic handle and wheels themselves do not change the subheading unless their material constitutes the essential character. Are plastic suitcases and textile material suitcases classified under the same code? Yes, 420262 covers suitcases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. However, if the outer surface is leather, they are classified under 420261; if it is other materials (such as metal), they are classified under 420269. What should be noted when declaring suitcases sold via cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, brand, material, specifications/model and use. Avoid generic declarations, otherwise the customs may reject the declaration or inspect the goods. Also pay attention to intellectual property rights, such as brand authorization. What is the difference between 420262 and 420212? 420212 covers executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, etc., with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials, whereas 420262 specifically refers to suitcases. The main difference lies in use: suitcases are for travel, while executive-cases are for office use. If the outer surface of a suitcase is plastics and the lining is textile material, how should it be classified? Classification is based on the outer surface material. If the outer surface is plastics, it is classified under 420262; if the outer surface is textile material, it is also classified under 420262. However, if the outer surface is leather, it is classified under 420261. The lining does not affect classification. Do accessories of a suitcase (such as locks and wheels) need to be declared separately? They are usually declared together as components of the suitcase and are not classified separately. However, if the accessories are imported separately, they need to be classified according to their material (e.g., plastic wheels under 3926). How to avoid classification errors for 420262? Focus on confirming: 1) whether it is a suitcase; 2) whether the outer surface material is plastics or textile materials; 3) whether it is not made of leather. You may refer to the "Tariff Explanatory Notes" and customs classification decisions, or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 420262?
A: It can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China". By entering HS code 420262, you can view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax (if applicable). Tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to refer to the latest version.
Q: Do the telescopic handle and wheels of a suitcase affect classification?
A: Telescopic handles and wheels are typical features of suitcases, which help distinguish them from briefcases or handbags. However, classification is mainly based on the outer surface material and use; the telescopic handle and wheels themselves do not change the subheading unless their material constitutes the essential character.
Q: Are plastic suitcases and textile material suitcases classified under the same code?
A: Yes, 420262 covers suitcases with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials. However, if the outer surface is leather, they are classified under 420261; if it is other materials (such as metal), they are classified under 420269.
Q: What should be noted when declaring suitcases sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, brand, material, specifications/model and use. Avoid generic declarations, otherwise the customs may reject the declaration or inspect the goods. Also pay attention to intellectual property rights, such as brand authorization.
Q: What is the difference between 420262 and 420212?
A: 420212 covers executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, etc., with an outer surface of plastics or textile materials, whereas 420262 specifically refers to suitcases. The main difference lies in use: suitcases are for travel, while executive-cases are for office use.
Q: If the outer surface of a suitcase is plastics and the lining is textile material, how should it be classified?
A: Classification is based on the outer surface material. If the outer surface is plastics, it is classified under 420262; if the outer surface is textile material, it is also classified under 420262. However, if the outer surface is leather, it is classified under 420261. The lining does not affect classification.
Q: Do accessories of a suitcase (such as locks and wheels) need to be declared separately?
A: They are usually declared together as components of the suitcase and are not classified separately. However, if the accessories are imported separately, they need to be classified according to their material (e.g., plastic wheels under 3926).
Q: How to avoid classification errors for 420262?
A: Focus on confirming: 1) whether it is a suitcase; 2) whether the outer surface material is plastics or textile materials; 3) whether it is not made of leather. You may refer to the "Tariff Explanatory Notes" and customs classification decisions, or consult a professional customs broker.
⚠️ 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.