Pickled sheep hides
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4113906000 | 36.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4106910000 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4101501091 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4113903000 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4101201020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Pickled Sheep Hides (Salted Sheep Skins)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Sure About "Pickled"?
Pickled sheep hides, in international trade, refer to raw sheep skins that have undergone preservation treatment using salt or brine to prevent decomposition prior to tanning. In the context of customs classification, the term "pickled" (θ εΆ) generally indicates a state of preservation or semi-tanning, but it is distinct from fully tanned leather.
International trade categorizes these into two main states based on the degree of processing:
Raw/Preserved Skins (ζͺι£εΆ/ηζΈ): These are raw hides simply treated with salt for storage and transport. They have not undergone the chemical stabilization of leather. Semi-Tanned/Partially Tanned Skins (ει£εΆ/η²ι£): These have undergone initial chemical treatments that partially stabilize the collagen structure, often referred to as "pickled" in broader processing contexts, but still require further finishing to become leather.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the hide is raw and only salted for preservation β Classified under Chapter 41, Heading 4101 (Raw Hides & Skins).
- If the hide has undergone initial tanning/pickling beyond simple salting β Classified under Chapter 41, Heading 4106 (Other Preserved Hides/Skins).
- If the hide is fully tanned β Classified under Chapter 41, Heading 4113 (Tanned Leather).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing State |
|---|---|---|---|
4101.50.10.91 |
Raw sheepskins, pickled/salted, classified as mammalian raw hides | Raw material for tanning; simple salt preservation | β Raw/Preserved |
4101.20.10.20 |
Raw sheepskins, pickled/salted (alternative raw classification) | Raw material; defined as "not tanned" but salted for storage | β Raw/Preserved |
4106.91.00.00 |
Other preserved sheepskins, pickled (semi-tanned state) | Semi-tanned or chemically stabilized hides | β Semi-Tanned |
4106.92.00.00 |
Other preserved sheepskins, pickled (alternative semi-tanned) | Semi-tanned or primary form preservation | β Semi-Tanned |
4113.90.30.00 |
Other tanned sheepskin leather, pickled (further processed) | Tanned leather, further processed beyond initial pickling | β Tanned/Finished |
4113.90.60.00 |
Other tanned sheepskin leather, pickled (final processed) | Tanned leather, final form description | β Tanned/Finished |
π Key Reminder:
- "Pickled" is ambiguous: In Chinese customs practice, "θ εΆ" (pickled) can refer to both simple salting (raw state) and acid/salt pickling (pre-tanning state). This drastically changes the HS code. - Raw vs. Tanned: If the hide is still flexible and has not been chemically fixed, it is likely 4101. If it has undergone acid/salt pickling to prepare for tanning, it may fall under 4106. Fully finished leather goes to 4113. - Misclassification Risk: Declaring semi-tanned hides as raw hides (or vice versa) can lead to significant tariff differences and customs delays.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4101.50.10.91 & 4101.20.10.20 β Raw/Preserved Sheepskins
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +7.5% (Section 301 / Specific Footnotes) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (Targeted China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Duty Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4101.50.10.91 β FOOTNOTE:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- "Base Rate 0%": Raw hides typically have low base tariffs.
- "USITC +7.5%": This specific rate applies to certain raw hides under Section 301 investigations.
- "IEEPA +10%": The new 10% surcharge on Chinese-origin goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 17.5%: This is a moderate tariff compared to finished leather, but still significant due to the 10% IEEPA add-on.
π― 2. 4106.91.00.00 & 4106.92.00.00 β Semi-Tanned/Preserved Sheepskins
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25.0% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10.0% (Targeted China/HK products) |
| Total Duty Rate | 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4106.91.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- "Base Rate 3.3%": Semi-tanned hides incur a higher base duty than raw hides.
- "USITC +25%": The standard 25% Section 301 tariff applies to processed leather products.
- "IEEPA +10%": The additional 10% surcharge.
- Total 38.3%: This is a high tariff, reflecting the processed nature of the goods.
π― 3. 4113.90.30.00 & 4113.90.60.00 β Tanned Sheepskin Leather
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25.0% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10.0% (Targeted China/HK products) |
| Total Duty Rate | 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4113.90.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "Base Rate 3.3%": Finished leather has a base duty similar to semi-tanned hides.
- "USITC +25%": The standard 25% Section 301 tariff applies.
- "IEEPA +10%": The additional 10% surcharge.
- Total 38.3%: This is a high tariff, identical to semi-tanned hides due to the same additional duty structures.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: "Sheepskin," "Pickled/Salted," and processing stage (Raw vs. Semi-Tanned). |
| β Chemical Process Description | βοΈ | Detail the pickling process: Is it simple salt (NaCl) or acid/salt pre-tanning? |
| β Photos (Clear & Labeled) | βοΈ | Show texture, flexibility, and any labeling. Raw hides look stiff/waxy; semi-tanned look pliable. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Pickled Sheepskins" and the exact HS Code. Avoid vague terms like "Leather Material." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, dimensions, and packaging material (cartons, pallets). |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If applicable for origin preference, but note US tariffs apply to CN origin. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Raw is Salted, Semi is Acid, Tanned is Finish. Don't Mix!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Salt Preserved | 4101.50.10.91 / 4101.20.10.20 |
Declared as "Leather" | β Under-declared value/duty β Penalty |
| Acid/Salt Pickled (Pre-Tanning) | 4106.91.00.00 / 4106.92.00.00 |
Declared as "Raw Hides" | β Over-declared duty? No, usually under-declared if base rate differs. Risk of misclassification. |
| Fully Tanned Leather | 4113.90.30.00 / 4113.90.60.00 |
Declared as "Raw" | β Major under-declaration β Heavy fines |
| Unknown Process | β Do Not Ship Yet | "Leather Hides" | β Customs Examination β Delays & Costs |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Batches | If a shipment contains both raw and semi-tanned hides, separate them. Mixed declarations are a red flag. |
| OEM Custom Pickling | Provide the buyerβs specification sheet showing the exact pickling formula to justify the HS code. |
| Small Quantity (De Minimis) | β Not Eligible. All leather products from China are subject to full duty assessment. No $800 de minimis exemption. |
| Origin Misdeclaration | Do not claim origin as "Vietnam" or "Turkey" if processed in China. This is fraud. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4101.50.10.91 (Raw) |
17.5% | No specific | High additional duties apply. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4106.91.00.00 (Semi) |
38.3% | No specific | Highest cost category. |
| π¨π³ China | 4101.50.10.91 |
Low | None | Exporting to China? Check local rules. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4101 / 4106 |
Varies | REACH (Chemicals) | EU has strict chemical restrictions (REACH). |
| π¬π§ UK | 4101 / 4106 |
Varies | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4101 / 4106 |
Low | None | Generally lower tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
- EU/UK have strict chemical regulations (REACH) on pickling agents (chromium, aldehydes, etc.). Ensure compliance.
- Raw hides (17.5%) are significantly cheaper to import into the US than semi-tanned/tanned (38.3%).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling "Pickled Hides" "Leather"
π Consequence: If it's raw/semi-tanned, it's not leather. Misclassification β Audit & Fines.
β Error 2: Assuming "Pickled" means "Raw"
π Consequence: If it's acid-pickled (semi-tanned), declaring as raw hides (4101) may be challenged. If the chemical content shows tanning agents, Customs will reclassify to 4106 or 4113 β Back Taxes + Penalties.
β Error 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% Surcharge
π Consequence: Many importers still calculate only 25% (Section 301). Forgetting the extra 10% leads to underpayment β CBSA/Customs Demand.
β Error 4: Using "De Minimis" for Small Shipments
π Consequence: Leather from China is never exempt from de minimis. Attempting to use it results in seizure or delay.
β Correct Approach:
"Sheepskins, Pickled, Salted, Not Tanned, for Further Processing, HS 4101.50.10.91"
OR
"Sheepskins, Partially Tanned/Pickled, HS 4106.91.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Cost!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Raw is Salted, Semi is Acid, Tanned is Finish. 17.5%, 38.3%, 38.3%."
πΉ "HS Code is Life, Tariff Difference is Huge. Declare Correctly, Avoid Penalties!"
π Tips:
- If your sheepskins are pickled with non-chromium agents (e.g., vegetable tanning precursors), ensure documentation reflects this for EU/UK REACH compliance.
- Consider Advance Ruling from US Customs if the pickling process is ambiguous.
- Do not split shipments to avoid detection of mixed classifications.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Verify Pickling Process
π Ensure Your Sheepskins Clear Customs Smoothly, Avoid Delays, and Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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.