Raw Sheepskin, Unsplit, Untanned
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4102291090 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4103901200 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4102101000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4103901190 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐ Raw Sheepskins & Lambskins (Unsplit, Untanned, Preserved)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy for US Market
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know the Difference Between "Sheep" and "Lamb"?
Raw sheepskin and lambskin are primary agricultural materials used in leather manufacturing, fur garments, and upholstery. In international trade, they are strictly regulated under Chapter 41 (Animal Skins and Furskins).
Key Distinction in Classification: * Lambskins (็พ็พ็ฎ): Typically from younger animals, characterized by finer grain, softer texture, and smaller size. Often assigned to heading 4102. * Sheepskins (็พ็ฎ): From mature animals, generally thicker and coarser. Often assigned to heading 4103.
โ ๏ธ Critical Classification Point:
- Both categories must be "Untanned" (ๆช้ฃๅถ) and "Preserved" (็ปไฟๅญๅค็) (e.g., salted, limed, or dried) to remain in Chapters 41.
- If tanned, they move to Chapter 41 (4104โ4107).
- If split (layered), different subheadings may apply, but your input specifies "Unsplit".
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityๅฏน็ ง)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the specific HS Codes for Raw Sheepskins and Lambskins that are unsplit and untanned.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Tax Detail (Total Rate) |
|---|---|---|
4102.29.10.90 |
Lambskin (Untanned, preserved), meets definition of sheep/lamb raw hide | 17.5% |
4103.90.12.00 |
Sheepskin (Untanned), falls under raw hide category, specific skin type classification | 17.5% |
4102.10.10.00 |
Lambskin (Untanned, preserved), meets "pre-tanned" status limitation (i.e., not pre-tanned) | 17.5% |
4103.90.11.90 |
Sheepskin (Not pre-tanned & preserved), meets other raw hide definition | 17.5% |
๐ Key Takeaway:
- All listed codes carry a Total Tax Rate of 17.5% for imports from China to the US.
- The distinction between4102(Lamb) and4103(Sheep) depends on animal age and skin characteristics.
- The distinction between.10,.11,.12, and.29depends on preservation method and specific sub-category within raw hides.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Time: 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. General Breakdown for All Listed HS Codes (4102.* & 4103.*)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 / Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Applicable (High value, specific agricultural import restrictions usually apply) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% โ Total 17.5% |
๐ Explanation:
- "Base Tariff: 0.0%": Raw animal hides generally have low base MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates.
- "Additional Tariff: 7.5%": Part of the broader Section 301 trade action tariffs on Chinese goods.
- "Section 122 Tariff: 10%": Specific statutory tariff authority (Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974), often used for national security or economic leverage.
- Total 17.5%: This is a fixed, high burden for raw leather imports. Unlike electronics, there are no "De Minimis" exemptions (e.g., $800 threshold) that easily apply to bulk raw hides.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Missing Any = Delay/Rejection)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state "Raw Sheepskin/Lambskin, Untanned, Unsplit". |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail weight, number of hides, preservation method (salted/dried). |
| โ Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | โ๏ธ | Standard shipping documents. |
| โ Preservation Certificate | โ๏ธ | Proof that hides are properly preserved (e.g., salted) to prevent rot. |
| โ USDA/APHIS Permit | โ๏ธ | CRITICAL: Raw animal skins often require veterinary inspection or USDA permits to prevent disease (e.g., Foot-and-Mouth Disease). |
| โ Certificate of Origin | โ๏ธ | To confirm China origin and apply applicable tariffs. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ "Unsplit, Untanned, Preserved, Declare Accurate!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Lambskin | 4102.29.10.90 or 4102.10.10.00 |
Declare as "Leather" โ Wrong chapter |
| Raw Sheepskin | 4103.90.12.00 or 4103.90.11.90 |
Declare as "Fur" โ Wrong chapter |
| Tanned Skin | Move to Chapter 41 (4104-4107) | Declare as Raw โ Customs Penalty |
| Split Skin | Different subheading (if applicable) | Declare as Unsplit โ Misclassification |
โ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Lamb/Sheep | Separate by type if possible. If mixed, declare as the dominant type or consult customs broker for "mixed lots" rule. |
| Wet Blue (Pre-tanned) | NOT Raw. These are considered "tanned" and fall under different HS codes (e.g., 4104/4105). Do not declare as Raw. |
| Smell/Odor Issues | Ensure hides are properly salted/dried to prevent odor complaints from CBP inspectors. |
| Disease Risk | Provide health certificates from origin country to satisfy USDA requirements. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4102.* / 4103.* |
17.5% | USDA + APHIS | High tariff, strict health checks |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4102.29 / 4103.90 |
Varies (Import Duty) | N/A | Domestic trade rules apply |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4102 / 4103 |
Varies (Usually 0-3%) | EU REACH | Lower base tariffs, but strict environmental standards |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 4102 / 4103 |
Varies | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA imposes a significant 17.5% tariff on raw sheep/lamb skins from China.
- Health and Safety regulations (USDA) are as critical as tariffs.
- Ensure accurate classification between Lamb (4102) and Sheep (4103) to avoid audits.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring "Tanned Leather" as "Raw Sheepskin"
๐ Consequence: Misclassification, penalties, and potential rejection at port.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring USDA/APHIS Requirements
๐ Consequence: Quarantine, destruction of goods, or heavy fines for biosecurity risks.
โ Mistake 3: Confusing "Unsplit" with "Split"
๐ Consequence: Wrong HS Code โ 17.5% vs. different rate โ Underpayment/Overpayment issues.
โ Mistake 4: Failing to Declare Preservation Method
๐ Consequence: Customs may treat goods as "unpreserved" (rotting risk) โ Health violation.
โ Correct Practice:
"Raw Sheepskins, Unsplit, Untanned, Salted Preserved, Class: 4103.90.12.00, Origin: China"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
๐ฏ Remember the Mnemonic:
๐น "Raw & Untanned, Check the Code: 4102 for Lamb, 4103 for Sheep."
๐น "17.5% is the Total, No De Minimis for This Batch."
๐น "USDA Permit is Key, Or Goods Get Stuck."
๐ Pro Tip:
If your sheepskins are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for FTZ (Free Trade Zone) benefits or lower tariffs under specific trade agreements (e.g., USMCA).
Recommendation: Apply for an Advance Ruling from CBP if unsure about classification between 4102 and 4103.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide Sample Photos + Apply for USDA Permits
๐ Ensure your raw skins pass inspection, clear customs, and arrive profitably!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Dollar Saved on Tariffs is Pure Profit!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.