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42029100
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

Other - With outer surface of leather or of composition leather

Classification scope of CN code 4202 91

CN code 4202 91 covers other articles with an outer surface of leather, composition leather, or patent leather, not falling within subheadings 4202 11 to 4202 39. This is a residual heading encompassing a broad range of leather accessories that are not trunks, suitcases, handbags, wallets, or pocket cases. This category includes leather sports bags, travel bags (weekenders), everyday shoulder bags, document bags, leather backpacks, leather shopping bags, leather instrument cases, camera bags, and many other articles. Classification is based on the outer surface material (natural or composition leather) and on the fact that the article does not fit within any of the more specific subheadings of code 4202.

Import requirements and customs regulations

Importing leather accessories under CN code 4202 91 into the EU is subject to regulations analogous to other leather products. Products made from exotic leather require CITES permits. The REACH regulation limits chromium VI content to 3 mg/kg in leather articles that come into contact with skin. The GPSR regulation (EU 2023/988) obliges importers to ensure product safety and maintain technical documentation. Branded products are subject to anti-counterfeiting controls by customs authorities. Labeling should include information on leather type and country of origin. Duty rates depend on the country of origin and may be reduced under EU preferential agreements. Current rates should be verified in TARIC or ISZTAR. Imports of leather accessories from certain countries may be subject to enhanced customs scrutiny regarding customs value and correct classification.

Practical import guidelines

When importing articles classified under code 4202 91, precise distinction from other subheadings of code 4202 is important. A leather travel bag may be classified under 4202 11 (as a trunk or suitcase) or 4202 91 (as another bag), depending on its construction and purpose. Rigid bags with suitcase functionality are typically classified under 4202 11, while soft travel bags fall under 4202 91. In case of doubt, obtaining Binding Tariff Information decision is recommended. The importer should ensure documentation confirming the authenticity of natural leather, as errors in material identification result in incorrect classification. For exotic leather imports, CITES permits must be obtained in advance. It is also worth checking whether the manufacturer holds certificates confirming responsible leather sourcing in accordance with environmental standards.

Other leather articles - import and IP protection

Products classified under CN code 4202 91 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 leather backpack classified under code 4202 91?
Yes, a leather backpack with a natural or composition leather outer surface is classified under CN code 4202 91 as another leather accessory. Backpacks are not covered by the more specific subheadings for trunks and suitcases (4202 11), handbags (4202 21), or pocket articles (4202 31), so they fall under the residual heading 4202 91. Faux leather backpacks are classified under code 4202 92.
How to distinguish classification between codes 4202 11 and 4202 91 for travel bags?
The distinction between codes 4202 11 (trunks and suitcases) and 4202 91 (other articles) for leather travel bags is based on construction and purpose. Rigid bags with suitcase functionality, equipped with locks and handles, are typically classified under 4202 11. Soft travel bags such as weekenders, without rigid structure, are classified under 4202 91. In case of doubt, the decisive factor is the character of the article, not its commercial name.
Is a natural leather laptop bag subject to code 4202 91?
A natural leather laptop bag may be classified under code 4202 11 (if it has characteristics of a briefcase) or 4202 91 (if it is a soft shoulder bag). Classification depends on the construction of the article. Leather briefcases, even those with a laptop compartment, are typically classified under 4202 11. Soft shoulder bags with a laptop pocket may fall under code 4202 91. Correct classification requires analysis of the specific article.
How are IP rights protected at customs for CN 4202 91 imports?
Imports CN 4202 91 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.