HTS Chapter 42: Articles of leather; handbags; travel goods; saddlery and harness
HTS Chapter 42 covers Articles of leather; handbags; travel goods; saddlery and harness. Browse 2 published headings, then narrow to the active product line that matches the goods.
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS Chapter 42 generally covers articles made from leather or composition leather, along with certain containers and accessories made from materials such as plastics, textiles, vulcanized fiber, or paperboard when the tariff language allows it. Heading 4202 includes many cases, bags, luggage, wallets, purses, backpacks, and similar containers. Heading 4203 covers leather or composition-leather clothing and clothing accessories, such as certain gloves, belts, and other apparel accessories.
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule is read from broad to specific: chapter, heading, subheading, and then the complete 10-digit statistical classification. Start with the product’s actual construction and intended use, then compare the wording and legal notes for the candidate headings and subheadings. The correct classification may depend on details such as the outer surface material, whether a container is designed to hold particular items, and whether the item is principally used for carrying, storing, wearing, or another purpose. Borderline classifications may require a customs broker or a binding ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What to check
- Identify the product’s principal use, dimensions, internal features, and construction before choosing a heading; do not classify by marketing name alone.
- Determine the material that forms the relevant outer surface or covering, and verify whether the tariff provision distinguishes leather, plastics, textiles, paperboard, or other materials.
- Read the exclusions and legal notes for Chapter 42 and the candidate headings; some articles that look like bags, apparel, or accessories may be classified elsewhere.
- Continue from the heading to every applicable subheading and statistical suffix, checking the exact product description rather than stopping at a 4-digit heading.
- Check whether a separate Chapter 99 provision or other trade measure applies to the merchandise, and confirm its current requirements in official HTS and CBP sources.
How to use this chapter
A chapter is the first classification level, not a duty rate. Choose the heading that describes the product, narrow by material, construction, use, or other legal distinctions, and verify the final line against the official HTS notes.
Heading list
| HTS code | Description | Linked 8-digit entries |
|---|---|---|
| 4202 | Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases, holsters and similar containers; traveling bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toiletry bags, knapsacks and backpacks, handbags, shopping bags, wallets, purses, map cases, cigarette cases, tobacco pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle cases, jewelry boxes, powder cases, cutlery cases and similar containers, of leather or of composition leather, of sheeting of plastics, of textile materials, of vulcanized fiber or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper: | 1 |
| 4203 | Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather or of composition leather: | 0 |
Linked measures
0 linked measure entries in the current snapshot.
Questions about HTS Chapter 42
What does HTS Chapter 42 cover?
HTS Chapter 42 covers Articles of leather; handbags; travel goods; saddlery and harness. This page groups the chapter’s 4-digit headings; a shipment still needs the most specific active 8- or 10-digit line supported by the product facts.
Is HTS Chapter 42 a final product classification?
No. A chapter is a broad 2-digit category. Narrow it to the applicable heading and the most specific active statistical line before estimating duty or filing an entry.