Leather Gloves (Molded, Not Seamed)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4203292000 | 47.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6216009000 | 21.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4203290800 | 49.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4205006000 | 39.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4205008000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§€ Leather Gloves (Molded, Not Seamed)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Sure You Know "Gloves"?
Leather Gloves (Molded, Not Seamed) are specialized protective or fashion accessories crafted from genuine leather. Their defining characteristic is the manufacturing process: "Molded" and "Not Seamed."
Unlike traditional gloves made by cutting leather pieces and sewing them together (seamed), molded gloves are formed by shaping the leather into a three-dimensional glove form without visible stitching along the seams. This structure affects their classification under the Harmonized System (HS):
Key Distinction: * Seamed Gloves: Made by cutting and sewing β Often classified under general leather articles or specific glove headings depending on material. * Molded/Not Seamed Gloves: Shaped without sewing β May fall under specific subheadings for "not seamed" or be classified as "other leather articles" if the specific glove heading requires seaming.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the HS code specifically mentions "Not Seamed", it takes precedence.
- If no specific "not seamed" subheading exists for leather gloves, it may fall under "Other" leather articles.
- Material is King: All candidates listed are Leather (Leather).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided data, here are the matched HS Codes for Leather Gloves (Molded, Not Seamed):
| HS Code | Product Description & Matching Logic | Tax Rate (Total) | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4203.29.20.00 | Leather Gloves, Not Seamed. β Match: Material: Leather; Form: Gloves; Process: Not Seamed (Exact Match). |
47.6% | Base: 12.6% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 301/122: 10% |
| 6216.00.90.00 | Gloves, Other. β Match: Form: Gloves; Material: Leather. Fits the "Other"ε εΊ (fallback) logic for gloves. No material conflict. |
21.3% | Base: 3.8% + Add-on: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% |
| 4203.29.08.00 | Leather Gloves. β Match: Explicitly named "Leather" & "Gloves". Fits the description for leather gloves. No conflict. |
49.0% | Base: 14.0% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 122: 10% |
| 4205.00.60.00 | Other Leather Articles (Reptile/Other). β Match: Material: Leather. Form: Leather Article. |
39.9% | Base: 4.9% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 122: 10% |
| 4205.00.80.00 | Other Leather or Synthetic Leather Articles. β Match: Material: Leather. Form: Gloves (Leather Article). Fits "Other" logic. |
35.0% | Base: 0.0% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 122: 10% |
π Key Insight:
- 4203.29.20.00 is the most precise match because it explicitly includes "Not Seamed".
- 6216.00.90.00 offers the lowest total tax (21.3%) but relies on a broader "Other Gloves" classification, which may be scrutinized if the importer cannot prove it doesn't fit 4203.
- 4205.00.80.00 has 0% base tax but still incurs heavy add-ons, totaling 35.0%.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Add-ons & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 (Current Data)
π― 1. 4203.29.20.00 ββ Leather Gloves, Not Seamed (Most Accurate Match)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 12.6% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Add-on Duty | +25.0% (Section 301 / Add-on) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (Specific to this item/category) |
| Total Duty Rate | 47.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 47.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (High rate prevents small parcel exemption) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:4203.29.20.00 β USITC Footnote β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most specific classification for "Not Seamed" leather gloves.
- Despite being the most accurate, it carries a high total tax of 47.6%.
- Risk: Low. Customs will likely accept this if the "Not Seamed" feature is clearly documented.
π― 2. 6216.00.90.00 ββ Gloves, Other (Lowest Tax Option)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.8% |
| Add-on Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 21.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:6216.00.90.00 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Significant Tax Savings: 26.3% lower than the most accurate code.
- Risk: Medium. Customs may challenge this if they deem the gloves as "Leather Gloves" (Chapter 42) rather than "Gloves" (Chapter 62). Chapter 62 typically covers textile-based gloves, but "Other" can include leather if not specified elsewhere. Verification required.
π― 3. 4203.29.08.00 ββ Leather Gloves (General)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 14.0% |
| Add-on Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 49.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
π Explanation:
- Similar to 4203.29.20.00 but more expensive (49.0% vs 47.6%).
- Avoid unless 4203.29.20.00 is unavailable.
π― 4. 4205.00.80.00 ββ Other Leather Articles (0% Base)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Add-on Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
π Explanation:
- Medium Tax (35.0%).
- Uses Chapter 42 "Other" category.
- Risk: High. Customs may reclassify as 4203 (Gloves) if gloves are not considered "Other Articles."
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Must clearly show NO SEAMS on the back/inside. Highlight the molded construction. |
| β Manufacturing Process Description | βοΈ | Explain "Molded" vs "Seamed." Provide diagrams if possible. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Leather Gloves, Molded, Not Seamed". Do not just say "Gloves." |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify: 100% Leather (and type: Cowhide, Sheepskin, etc.). |
| β HS Code Justification Letter | βοΈ | If using 6216.00.90.00, provide a letter explaining why it doesn't fit 4203 (e.g., unique design, non-traditional glove). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure consistency with invoice. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Specify 'Not Seamed', Choose Base, Avoid Misclassification!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Not Seamed Leather Gloves | 4203.29.20.00 |
47.6% | π’ Low (Accurate) |
| Unique Design, Arguable as "Other Gloves" | 6216.00.90.00 |
21.3% | π‘ Medium (Save 26%, but risk audit) |
| Traditional Seamed Leather Gloves | 4203.29.08.00 |
49.0% | π’ Low (But expensive) |
| Non-Glove Leather Article (e.g., Belt) | 4205.00.80.00 |
35.0% | π’ Low (If not gloves) |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Gloves | Provide customer specs + design files to prove "Molded" process. |
| Mixed Packaging (Gloves + Accessories) | Declare gloves separately. Do not bundle with non-leather items to avoid confusion. |
| Customs Audit Risk | If using 6216.00.90.00, be prepared to prove that the gloves do not fit the legal definition of "Leather Gloves" in Chapter 42. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4203.29.20.00 |
47.6% | Most accurate. High tax due to Section 301 & 122. |
| π¨π³ China | 4203.29.20.00 |
~10-15% (Import) | Lower base rates. No Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4203.29.20.00 |
~4-10% | No Section 301. VAT applies separately. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4203.29.20.00 |
~4-10% | Post-Brexit tariffs. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4203.29.20.00 |
~3-8% | Low base rates. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for leather gloves due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) add-ons.
- Total tax ranges from 21.3% to 49.0% in the US, depending on classification accuracy.
- China/EU/Japan have significantly lower tariffs without these punitive add-ons.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Leather Gloves" without specifying "Not Seamed"
π Result: Customs may use 4203.29.08.00 (49.0%) or question the accuracy.
β
Fix: Always specify "Molded, Not Seamed" in the description.
β Mistake 2: Using 6216.00.90.00 without justification
π Result: Customs may reclassify to 4203 and demand back taxes + penalties.
β
Fix: Provide a justification letter explaining why the gloves fall under "Other" (e.g., unique material blend, non-standard shape).
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Duty
π Result: Underpayment of duties by 10%.
β
Fix: Always include 10% Section 122 in cost calculations for leather goods.
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ Most Accurate:
4203.29.20.00(47.6%) β Recommended for compliance.
πΉ Lowest Tax:6216.00.90.00(21.3%) β Use with caution and justification.
πΉ Avoid:4203.29.08.00(49.0%) β More expensive than the specific "Not Seamed" code.
π Pro Tip:
If your gloves are not made of leather (e.g., synthetic), check Chapter 39 or 61 for lower taxes. But for 100% Leather, Chapter 42 is mandatory unless a strong case for Chapter 62 can be made.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Customs Broker: Confirm if
6216.00.90.00is acceptable for your specific mold design.
π Submit Pre-Ruling: Apply for an HTSUS Pre-Ruling from US CBP to lock in the 21.3% rate if possible, or confirm 47.6% for peace of mind.
β¨ Accurate Classification Saves Money!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Counts in Global Trade!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.