Find HS Code and trade information for pu leather

Polyurethane Leather

Polyurethane (PU) leather is a synthetic leather constructed of a thermoplastic polymer used as a substitute for natural leather. It is commonly used in a wide range of applications due to its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

Material Composition

PU leather is not a natural material. It is typically made from a fabric base, such as polyester or cotton, coated with a layer of polyurethane. This coating can be applied in various ways, resulting in different qualities and characteristics. The fabric base provides strength and stability, while the polyurethane layer gives the material its leather-like appearance and feel.

Manufacturing Process

The production of PU leather involves several stages:

1. Fabric Base Preparation: A woven or non-woven fabric is chosen as the foundation.
2. Coating Application: Polyurethane is applied to the fabric base, often in multiple layers. Different formulations and techniques are used to achieve varying textures, finishes, and performance characteristics. Common methods include:
   • Coated PU: A polyurethane coating is applied directly onto the fabric base. This is a more economical process.
   • Microfiber PU: A very fine fiber base is used, creating a softer, more supple material.
3. Texturing and Finishing: The coated fabric undergoes processes like embossing, printing, and dyeing to create the desired leather-like appearance and feel.
4. Quality Control: The finished material is inspected for defects and consistency.

Purpose and Function

PU leather serves as an alternative to genuine leather, offering several advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Significantly cheaper than natural leather.
• Durability: Resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasion, though generally less durable than high-quality genuine leather.
• Versatility: Can be manufactured in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes.
• Ease of Maintenance: Typically easier to clean and maintain than natural leather.
• Animal-Friendly: A vegan alternative to animal leather.
• Water Resistance: PU leather is generally more water-resistant than natural leather, although prolonged exposure can still cause damage.

Usage Scenarios

PU leather is widely used in:

• Fashion: Clothing (jackets, pants, skirts), handbags, wallets, belts, shoes.
• Upholstery: Furniture (sofas, chairs, car seats), automotive interiors.
• Accessories: Watch straps, phone cases, book covers.
• Sports Equipment: Boxing gloves, footballs.
• Industrial Applications: Protective gear, medical equipment.

Common Types

• Coated PU Leather: The most common and affordable type. Features a polyurethane coating applied to a fabric backing.
• Microfiber PU Leather (also known as split PU leather): Offers a softer, more luxurious feel and better breathability than coated PU leather. Often used in higher-end applications.
• Genuine PU Leather (a misnomer): This term is often used misleadingly. PU leather is always synthetic; it does not contain any genuine leather.
• Water-based PU Leather: An environmentally friendly option utilizing water-based polyurethane coatings.
• PVC Leather: While similar, PVC leather (Polyvinyl Chloride leather) is a different synthetic material with different properties and environmental concerns. It is generally less breathable and less flexible than PU leather.

Declared Goods: PU Leather

PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather, is a synthetic leather constructed from a polyurethane base. It is commonly used as a substitute for natural leather in applications such as clothing, upholstery, handbags, and automotive interiors due to its durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. The material is produced by coating a fabric backing (often cotton, polyester, or nylon) with polyurethane, and can be textured and finished to resemble various types of natural leather.

The following HS codes may be relevant, based on the provided reference material:

• 5903.20 - Textile fabrics coated with plastics: Of polyurethane. This code specifically covers textile fabrics that have been coated with polyurethane, which directly corresponds to the composition of PU leather. The first two digits (59) indicate textile fabrics, the next two (03) specify coated textiles, and the final two (20) denote those coated with polyurethane.
• 5903.90 - Textile fabrics coated with plastics: Other. This code could apply to PU leather if it doesn't fall under the specific category of polyurethane coating (5903.20). It encompasses textile fabrics coated with other types of plastics. The first two digits (59) indicate textile fabrics, the next two (03) specify coated textiles, and the final two (90) denote those coated with other plastics.
• 4821.10 - Printed textile fabrics: Of cotton. If the PU leather is printed on a cotton fabric base, this HS code may be applicable. The first two digits (48) indicate printed textiles, and the final two (10) specify those printed on cotton.
• 4821.90 - Printed textile fabrics: Other. If the PU leather is printed on a fabric base other than cotton, this HS code may be applicable. The first two digits (48) indicate printed textiles, and the final two (90) specify those printed on other fabrics.
• 5403.30 - Ribbons of textile fabrics, narrower than 25 mm: Other. If the PU leather is manufactured into ribbons narrower than 25mm, this HS code may be applicable. The first two digits (54) indicate textile fabrics, the next two (03) specify ribbons, and the final two (30) denote those made of other materials.

Please note that the final HS code classification will depend on the specific composition of the PU leather (fabric base, coating materials, printing, etc.) and its intended use.