Chapter 42 covers articles of leather, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers, articles of animal gut (other than silkworm gut), etc. Leather articles in this chapter include various finished products made from natural leather, reconstituted leather, or synthetic leather, such as bags, gloves, belts, clothing accessories, etc. Note the distinction from Chapter 41 (raw hides and skins and leather materials), Chapter 64 (footwear), and Chapter 65 (headgear). Heading 4203 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories of leather or of composition leather, including gloves, mittens, mitts, sleeves, belts, ties, scarves, wristbands, etc. However, it excludes knitted or crocheted leather garments (classified under Chapter 61) and sports gloves of leather (such as golf gloves, boxing gloves, classified under Chapter 95). This heading is further subdivided into several subheadings by use and material. Code 420321 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 42 indicate Chapter 42 (articles of leather, saddlery and harness, travel goods, etc.); digits 3-4 03 indicate heading 4203 (articles of apparel and clothing accessories of leather or of composition leather); digits 5-6 21 indicate subheading 4203.21, specifically 'gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports'. Here '21' is the sequential number of the subheading under heading 4203 divided by use, distinguishing it from other gloves (e.g., 4203.29 for other gloves). Therefore, 420321 specifically refers to sports leather gloves. The product is leather gloves specially designed for sports use, such as golf gloves, ski gloves, cycling gloves, etc. Since they are leather clothing accessories, they fall under heading 4203; and because they are clearly for sports, they are classified under subheading 4203.21. If they were ordinary warm or decorative gloves, they should be classified under 4203.29; if they were knitted or crocheted leather gloves, they would fall under Chapter 61; if they were sports-specific but made of plastic or rubber, they might fall under Chapter 39 or Chapter 40.
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. Leather articles in this chapter include various finished products made from natural leather, reconstituted leather, or synthetic leather, such as bags, gloves, belts, clothing accessories, etc. Note the distinction from Chapter 41 (raw hides and skins and leather materials), Chapter 64 (footwear), and Chapter 65 (headgear).
Heading
Heading 4203 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories of leather or of composition leather, including gloves, mittens, mitts, sleeves, belts, ties, scarves, wristbands, etc. However, it excludes knitted or crocheted leather garments (classified under Chapter 61) and sports gloves of leather (such as golf gloves, boxing gloves, classified under Chapter 95). This heading is further subdivided into several subheadings by use and material.
Digit Breakdown
Code 420321 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 42 indicate Chapter 42 (articles of leather, saddlery and harness, travel goods, etc.); digits 3-4 03 indicate heading 4203 (articles of apparel and clothing accessories of leather or of composition leather); digits 5-6 21 indicate subheading 4203.21, specifically 'gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports'. Here '21' is the sequential number of the subheading under heading 4203 divided by use, distinguishing it from other gloves (e.g., 4203.29 for other gloves). Therefore, 420321 specifically refers to sports leather gloves.
Classification Basis
The product is leather gloves specially designed for sports use, such as golf gloves, ski gloves, cycling gloves, etc. Since they are leather clothing accessories, they fall under heading 4203; and because they are clearly for sports, they are classified under subheading 4203.21. If they were ordinary warm or decorative gloves, they should be classified under 4203.29; if they were knitted or crocheted leather gloves, they would fall under Chapter 61; if they were sports-specific but made of plastic or rubber, they might fall under Chapter 39 or Chapter 40.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Standard name of the declared commodity, should accurately reflect material and use, such as 'leather sports gloves'. Material: Specify the main material of the gloves, such as cowhide, sheepskin, reconstituted leather, etc., and indicate whether other materials are combined. Use: Clearly indicate whether it is for sports-specific use, such as golf, skiing, cycling, etc., and specify the specific sport type. Brand: Fill in the brand name (Chinese or foreign), or 'none' if no brand. Item Number: Fill in the manufacturer's or supplier's product model, item number for identification. Specifications/Model: Includes size (e.g., S, M, L), length, whether mittens, etc. Packaging Specifications: Specify quantity per box, packaging method (e.g., plastic bag, carton). Knitted or Not: Declare whether the gloves are made by knitting or crocheting, to determine if they fall under Chapter 61. Product Name: Leather sports gloves; Material: Sheepskin (outer), polyester lining; Use: Specially for golf; Brand: Titleist; Item Number: GL-2024; Specifications/Model: Men's, left hand single, size M; Packaging Specifications: 50 pairs per box, individually packaged in plastic bags; Knitted or Not: No. Mistakenly classifying ordinary warm gloves under 420321, should actually be under 420329. Not indicating 'sports-specific', leading to customs questioning the classification. Declaring material as 'leather' but actually reconstituted leather, need to clearly distinguish.
Product Name
Standard name of the declared commodity, should accurately reflect material and use, such as 'leather sports gloves'.
⚠️ Only writing 'gloves' without specifying material and sports use.
Material
Specify the main material of the gloves, such as cowhide, sheepskin, reconstituted leather, etc., and indicate whether other materials are combined.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'leather' without distinguishing natural leather or reconstituted leather.
Use
Clearly indicate whether it is for sports-specific use, such as golf, skiing, cycling, etc., and specify the specific sport type.
⚠️ Writing 'sports use' without specific details, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (Chinese or foreign), or 'none' if no brand.
⚠️ Omitting brand or incomplete filling.
Item Number
Fill in the manufacturer's or supplier's product model, item number for identification.
⚠️ Item number inconsistent with the actual product or blank.
Specifications/Model
Includes size (e.g., S, M, L), length, whether mittens, etc.
⚠️ Unclear specification description, such as only writing 'one size'.
Packaging Specifications
Specify quantity per box, packaging method (e.g., plastic bag, carton).
Declare whether the gloves are made by knitting or crocheting, to determine if they fall under Chapter 61.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring knitted gloves as 420321.
Example: Product Name: Leather sports gloves; Material: Sheepskin (outer), polyester lining; Use: Specially for golf; Brand: Titleist; Item Number: GL-2024; Specifications/Model: Men's, left hand single, size M; Packaging Specifications: 50 pairs per box, individually packaged in plastic bags; Knitted or Not: No.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying ordinary warm gloves under 420321, should actually be under 420329.
Not indicating 'sports-specific', leading to customs questioning the classification.
Declaring material as 'leather' but actually reconstituted leather, need to clearly distinguish.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and 'HS Explanatory Notes'. First determine if the product is made of leather or reconstituted leather and is a clothing accessory; second determine if it is specially designed for sports. If both are satisfied, classify under 420321. If the material is knitted or crocheted, even if leather, classify under Chapter 61; if it is sports gloves but made of plastic or rubber, classify under Chapter 39 or Chapter 40. In addition, if gloves have special functions (e.g., medical use), they may be classified under other chapters. 420329 Other leather gloves: 420329 is for non-sports leather gloves, such as warm, decorative, work gloves; 420321 is specifically for sports use. 611610 Knitted or crocheted leather gloves: 611610 is for knitted or crocheted leather gloves, even if for sports, classified here; 420321 requires non-knitted. 950699 Other sports equipment: 950699 covers general sports equipment, but if gloves are leather and specifically for sports, priority is given to 420321. 392620 Plastic gloves: 392620 is for plastic gloves, different material; 420321 requires leather or reconstituted leather. 401519 Vulcanized rubber gloves: 401519 is for rubber gloves, different material; 420321 is for leather. Is the material leather or reconstituted leather? Is it specifically for sports use? Is it non-knitted or crocheted? Is it a clothing accessory? Is it combined with other materials?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and 'HS Explanatory Notes'. First determine if the product is made of leather or reconstituted leather and is a clothing accessory; second determine if it is specially designed for sports. If both are satisfied, classify under 420321. If the material is knitted or crocheted, even if leather, classify under Chapter 61; if it is sports gloves but made of plastic or rubber, classify under Chapter 39 or Chapter 40. In addition, if gloves have special functions (e.g., medical use), they may be classified under other chapters.
Confused Codes:
420329 - Other leather gloves
420329 is for non-sports leather gloves, such as warm, decorative, work gloves; 420321 is specifically for sports use.
611610 - Knitted or crocheted leather gloves
611610 is for knitted or crocheted leather gloves, even if for sports, classified here; 420321 requires non-knitted.
950699 - Other sports equipment
950699 covers general sports equipment, but if gloves are leather and specifically for sports, priority is given to 420321.
392620 - Plastic gloves
392620 is for plastic gloves, different material; 420321 requires leather or reconstituted leather.
401519 - Vulcanized rubber gloves
401519 is for rubber gloves, different material; 420321 is for leather.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the material leather or reconstituted leather?
✓ Is it specifically for sports use?
✓ Is it non-knitted or crocheted?
✓ Is it a clothing accessory?
✓ Is it combined with other materials?
❓ FAQ
How to determine if gloves are 'sports-specific'? Sports-specific usually means designed for a particular sport (e.g., golf, skiing, cycling), with sports features such as anti-slip, wear-resistant, breathable. If gloves are only for daily warmth or decoration, they are not sports-specific. Customs may require product manuals, pictures, etc. as proof. How to check the import tariff rate for leather sports gloves? The tariff rate depends on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. You can check the Chinese Customs 'Import and Export Tariff' or through the 'Internet + Customs' platform, enter HS code 420321 to get the MFN rate, general rate, and agreement rate. Note that rates are subject to adjustment, based on the latest announcement. If gloves are made of leather and fabric combined, how to classify? According to General Rule of Interpretation 3 (b), classify according to the material that gives the essential character. If the leather part constitutes the essential character, classify under 420321; if the fabric part is predominant, it may be classified under Chapter 61 or 62. Material proportion proof is required. For cross-border e-commerce retail import of leather gloves, is declaration under 420321 also required? Yes, cross-border e-commerce retail imports also need to be declared by HS code. 420321 applies to sports leather gloves. Note whether the cross-border e-commerce positive list includes this code and comply with relevant regulatory conditions. If gloves have electronic components (e.g., heating function), are they still classified under 420321? If the electronic components are only auxiliary functions (e.g., heating) and the main body is leather sports gloves, they may still be classified under 420321. But if the electronic components constitute the main function, they may be classified under Chapter 85. Judgment based on specific functions is required. Are brand and item number mandatory when declaring? Brand and item number are important declaration elements that help customs identify the goods. If no brand, fill in 'none', but item number should be filled in as much as possible for verification with the actual goods. Missing may cause customs clearance delays. What is the main difference between 420321 and 420329? 420321 specifically refers to sports leather gloves, 420329 is for other leather gloves (e.g., warm, decorative, work). The key difference is whether the use is sports-specific. Proof of use should be provided when declaring. How to avoid customs clearance risks caused by classification errors? Suggestions: 1. Accurately describe material, use, process; 2. Refer to HS Explanatory Notes and classification decisions; 3. Apply for pre-classification if necessary; 4. Keep product information for inspection. Misclassification may lead to tax supplements, fines, or returns.
Q: How to determine if gloves are 'sports-specific'?
A: Sports-specific usually means designed for a particular sport (e.g., golf, skiing, cycling), with sports features such as anti-slip, wear-resistant, breathable. If gloves are only for daily warmth or decoration, they are not sports-specific. Customs may require product manuals, pictures, etc. as proof.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for leather sports gloves?
A: The tariff rate depends on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. You can check the Chinese Customs 'Import and Export Tariff' or through the 'Internet + Customs' platform, enter HS code 420321 to get the MFN rate, general rate, and agreement rate. Note that rates are subject to adjustment, based on the latest announcement.
Q: If gloves are made of leather and fabric combined, how to classify?
A: According to General Rule of Interpretation 3 (b), classify according to the material that gives the essential character. If the leather part constitutes the essential character, classify under 420321; if the fabric part is predominant, it may be classified under Chapter 61 or 62. Material proportion proof is required.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail import of leather gloves, is declaration under 420321 also required?
A: Yes, cross-border e-commerce retail imports also need to be declared by HS code. 420321 applies to sports leather gloves. Note whether the cross-border e-commerce positive list includes this code and comply with relevant regulatory conditions.
Q: If gloves have electronic components (e.g., heating function), are they still classified under 420321?
A: If the electronic components are only auxiliary functions (e.g., heating) and the main body is leather sports gloves, they may still be classified under 420321. But if the electronic components constitute the main function, they may be classified under Chapter 85. Judgment based on specific functions is required.
Q: Are brand and item number mandatory when declaring?
A: Brand and item number are important declaration elements that help customs identify the goods. If no brand, fill in 'none', but item number should be filled in as much as possible for verification with the actual goods. Missing may cause customs clearance delays.
Q: What is the main difference between 420321 and 420329?
A: 420321 specifically refers to sports leather gloves, 420329 is for other leather gloves (e.g., warm, decorative, work). The key difference is whether the use is sports-specific. Proof of use should be provided when declaring.
Q: How to avoid customs clearance risks caused by classification errors?
A: Suggestions: 1. Accurately describe material, use, process; 2. Refer to HS Explanatory Notes and classification decisions; 3. Apply for pre-classification if necessary; 4. Keep product information for inspection. Misclassification may lead to tax supplements, fines, or returns.
⚠️ 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.