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42023200
ARTICLES OF LEATHER; SADDLERY AND HARNESS; TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS; ARTICLES OF ANIMAL GUT (OTHER THAN SILKWORM GUT)Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, executive-cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases, holsters and similar containers; travelling-bags, insulated food or beverages 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

With outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials

Classification scope of CN code 4202 32

CN code 4202 32 covers articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with an outer surface of sheeting of plastics or textile materials. This heading includes wallets, coin purses, key cases, business card holders, pocket organizers, pouches, and similar small accessories made from faux leather (PU, PVC), nylon, polyester, cotton, or other textiles. This is a high-volume heading in accessories trade, as the majority of affordable wallets and cases are manufactured from plastics or synthetic fabrics. Classification is based on the outer surface material, not on interior or lining materials. Faux leather (eco-leather) wallets made from PU or PVC are classified here, not under code 4202 31 designated for natural leather.

Import requirements and customs regulations

Importing plastic and textile wallets and cases into the EU is subject to REACH regulation requirements on chemical substances. Key restrictions apply to phthalates in plastics (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP - combined limit of 0.1% by mass) and azo dyes releasing aromatic amines in textiles. Metal components such as clasps and buckles are subject to nickel and lead restrictions. The GPSR regulation (EU 2023/988) obliges importers to ensure product safety and maintain traceability documentation. Branded wallets made from plastics and textiles are subject to anti-counterfeiting controls, as they are frequently counterfeited. Duty rates depend on the country of origin - products from countries covered by EU preferential agreements may benefit from reduced rates. Current rates should be verified in TARIC or ISZTAR.

Practical import guidelines

Importing plastic and textile wallets is a large segment of accessories trade, dominated by shipments from China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. When planning imports, it should be verified whether the country of origin is covered by a preferential agreement with the EU, which may substantially reduce the duty rate. An EUR.1 certificate of origin or invoice declaration confirms eligibility for preferences. Correct identification of the outer surface material is essential - confusing natural leather with faux leather results in incorrect classification. The importer should require REACH compliance declarations and laboratory test reports from the supplier. Labels must include information on material composition, country of origin, and importer details in the language of the country of sale. For high-volume imports, obtaining AEO status, which facilitates customs procedures, may be considered.

Plastic or textile wallets - import and IP protection

Products classified under CN code 4202 32 are subject to customs controls for intellectual property rights protection (Regulation (EU) 608/2013). Import requires customs declarations with accurate product description, country of origin and value. Leather products must comply with REACH requirements for chromium VI (max 3 mg/kg) and restricted substances. Country of origin and material composition labelling is required. Counterfeit goods are subject to seizure.

Frequently asked questions

Is a PU eco-leather wallet classified under code 4202 32?
Yes, a wallet made from eco-leather (faux leather) based on polyurethane (PU) is classified under CN code 4202 32 as a pocket-carried article with a plastic outer surface. Eco-leather is a plastic material, not natural or composition leather. Code 4202 31 is reserved exclusively for articles made from natural, composition, or patent leather. Correct material distinction is essential for proper tariff classification.
What phthalate requirements apply to PVC wallets?
PVC wallets imported into the EU must comply with phthalate restrictions under the REACH regulation. The combined content of four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP) must not exceed 0.1% of the mass of plasticized material. PVC frequently contains phthalates as plasticizers, making testing of their content particularly important. The importer should require a laboratory test report from the supplier confirming compliance with REACH limits.
Is a nylon key case subject to classification under code 4202 32?
Yes, a nylon key case intended to be carried in a pocket or handbag is classified under CN code 4202 32 as a pocket-carried article with a textile material outer surface. Nylon is a textile (synthetic) material, so articles with this outer surface fall under this subheading. The key factor is the article's intended use of being carried in a pocket, which distinguishes it from larger bags and handbags classified under codes 4202 21 or 4202 22.
How are IP rights protected at customs for CN 4202 32 imports?
Imports CN 4202 32 are subject to IPR controls under Regulation (EU) 608/2013. Customs can detain goods suspected of trademark infringement. Rights holders can apply for customs intervention.