Salted Raw Sheepskin (Un tanned)
CN → USAI Analysis
🐑 Salted Raw Sheepskin (Untanned)
📜 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Code Analysis | Professional Trade Compliance Strategy
🧵 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is “Salted Sheepskin”?
Salted raw sheepskin refers to fresh sheepskins that have been preserved immediately after slaughter using salt (dry salting or brining) to prevent rotting before tanning. In international trade, these are considered raw hides/skins, not leather.
Key Characteristics: * State: Un-tanned, un-dressed, salted for preservation. * Purpose: Intermediate material for tanneries to produce finished leather (garments, upholstery, footwear). * Distinct from: * Green Skins: Fresh, unsalted, prone to rapid decay. * Chrome/Tanned Leather: Processed, dyed, and finished leather. * Wool-on Skins: If the wool is intact and valuable, classification may shift (see below).
⚠️ Critical Distinction Point: - If the wool is attached and natural (not sheared off) → Often classified under Chapter 43 (Furskins) or specific subheadings for wool-skins. - If the wool is removed/sheared or classified primarily as hide for leather → Chapter 41 (Raw Hides & Skins).
For standard salted raw sheepskins where the primary commercial intent is leather production, Chapter 41 is most common. However, many jurisdictions treat wool-bearing raw skins under Chapter 43 if the wool is a primary value driver.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authoritative Reference)
The classification depends heavily on whether the wool is attached and the country of import (specifically US vs. EU vs. China). Below is the breakdown for USA (HTSUS) and Global (HS 2022/2027 aligned).
🇺🇸 A. USA HTSUS Classification (Import into USA)
| HS Code | Product Description | Wool Status | Leather Intent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4101.29.10 | Cowhides & calfskins (excl. wet-blue) – Other – Sheepskins | ❌ No wool / Sheared | Leather production |
| 4101.90.60 | Other hides & skins (excl. bovine, equine, porcine) – Sheepskins | ❌ No wool / Sheared | Leather production |
| 4301.10.00 | Raw fur skins, with hair on (incl. heads, paws, tails) | ✅ Wool/Hair Attached | Furs/Trim |
| 4301.80.60 | Other raw hides & skins (incl. heads, paws, tails) – Sheepskins | ✅ Wool/Hair Attached | Mixed/Fur/Leather |
🔍 Key Clarification: - Most common commercial export: Sheepskins with wool attached (for rugs/garments) are often 4301.80.60. - Sheared/Dewooled sheepskins (for leather bags/soles): 4101.90.60. - Customs Advice: You MUST specify if wool is attached. Misclassification leads to significant duty disparities and FDA/USDA inspection flags.
🇪🇺 B. EU TARIC Classification (Import into EU)
| HS Code | Description | Wool Status |
|---|---|---|
| 4101 29 90 | Sheepskins, raw, not split, with or without wool | Any |
| 4301 10 00 | Raw fur skins, with hair on (incl. heads, paws, tails) | ✅ Attached |
Note: EU often allows sheepskins under 4101 regardless of wool if the primary use is leather. If used for fur coats, it may fall under 4301.
💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rates & Tax Breakdown (USA Focus)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: Typically China, Australia, New Zealand, India, or Argentina
✅ Effective Date: Current rates as of 2026
🎯 1. HTS 4101.90.60 – Sheepskins, Raw, Sheared/Dewooled
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (Most Favored Nation - MFN) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% (If originating from China) |
| Section 232 Tariff | Not applicable (Steel/Aluminum only) |
| CEPA/USMCA | 0% (If originating from Canada/Mexico via specific rules) |
| Total Rate (China) | 25% |
| Total Rate (AU/NZ/India) | 0% (Free under GSP or MFN) |
| Legal Path | HTS:4101.90.60 → USITC:301:China → Duty:25% |
📌 Explanation: - Raw skins are generally low-value intermediates. - China Origin: Subject to Section 301 tariffs due to trade tensions. - Non-China (e.g., Australia): Often duty-free due to existing trade agreements or MFN status.
🎯 2. HTS 4301.80.60 – Raw Fur Skins, Sheep, with Hair
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% (If originating from China) |
| Total Rate (China) | 7.5% |
| Total Rate (Non-China) | 0% |
| Legal Path | HTS:4301.80.60 → USITC:301:China → Duty:7.5% |
📌 Explanation: - Wool-bearing skins are sometimes taxed lower because they are closer to finished consumer goods (rugs) rather than industrial inputs. - Caution: Some jurisdictions impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese sheepskins. Check for AD/CVD cases.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Guide (Avoiding Pitfalls)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Must specify: "Salted Raw Sheepskin, Untanned" | Do NOT use "Leather" or "Finished Skin" |
| Packing List | Weight (Gross/Net), Number of Skins, Dimensions | Salt weight must be declared (often counted in gross weight) |
| Certificate of Origin | Essential for duty-free claims (e.g., AUS/NZ) | If China, expect 25% tariff |
| Veterinary Health Certificate | MANDATORY | Proof of disease-free origin (FMD, Bluetongue, etc.) |
| FDA Prior Notice | REQUIRED | Sheepskins are Animal By-Products → FDA regulates them |
| USDA APHIS Permit | REQUIRED | Import permit for raw hides/skins |
| Declaration of Wool Status | Critical | Specify: "Wool Attached" or "Wool Removed" |
✅ 2. Key Declaration Tips
🔥 “Declare Wool, Declare Salt, Declare Origin – Or Face Seizure!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool Attached | “Raw Sheepskins, with Hair, Salted” | “Sheep Leather” | Misclassification → Penalty |
| Sheared | “Sheared Raw Sheepskins, Salted” | “Fur Skins” | Wrong Chapter (41 vs 43) |
| Wet vs. Dry Salted | Specify preservation method | Just “Raw” | FDA may reject if improper preservation |
| Country of Origin | Explicitly state (e.g., “Made in China”) | “Imported from USA” (if transshipped) | Trade remedy evasion suspicion |
✅ 3. Special Cases & Exemptions
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Sheepskins with Lambskins | If mixed with lamb skins, declare separately if HS codes differ significantly. |
| Sheepskins with Wool for Rugs | May qualify for lower duty under 4301, but must prove intent. |
| Sheepskins for Medical Use | Rare, but if for suture or grafts, declare as “Biological Material” → Extra FDA scrutiny. |
| Small Samples | Still require FDA/USDA declaration. De minimis exemption ($800) may apply if shipped via courier, but NOT for commercial shipments. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Tariffs (China) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4101.90.60 / 4301.80.60 | 0% | +25% (Chap 41) / +7.5% (Chap 43) | Strict FDA/USDA controls |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4101.29 / 4301.10 | 0% - 5% | None (Import) | Major importer of raw skins |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4101.29.90 | 0% | None | Strict animal welfare & health certs |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 4101.29.90 | 0% | None | Post-Brexit, aligns with EU mostly |
| 🇮🇳 India | 4101.29 | 5% | None | High tariff on finished leather, low on raw |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 4101.29 | 0% | None | Free Trade Agreements apply |
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Calling “Salted Sheepskin” “Leather”
👉 Consequence: Rejected by customs for misdeclaration. Leather implies tanning process. Raw skins require different permits.
❌ Error 2: Ignoring FDA/USDA Requirements
👉 Consequence: Shipment held at port, fined, or destroyed. Raw animal products are high-risk for disease.
❌ Error 3: Not Specifying Wool Status
👉 Consequence: HS code uncertainty → Delayed clearance → Storage fees.
❌ Error 4: Assuming All Sheepskins Are the Same
👉 Consequence: Wrong duty rate. Wool-on vs. Sheared can differ by 25% in the US.
✅ Best Practice:
“Salted Raw Sheepskins, Untanned, Wool [Attached/Removed], Origin: [Country], Preserved by [Dry Salt/Brine], Compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 800.”
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smooth Clearance Starts with Precision
🎯 Remember:
🔹 “Raw is not Leather”
🔹 “Wool matters”
🔹 “FDA & USDA are your first checkpoints”
📌 Pro Tip:
If shipping to the USA, always request a Section 301 Exclusion if applicable (though rare for raw skins), or verify if your supplier qualifies for de minimis (only for small packages <$800 via courier, not container loads).
For China-origin sheepskins, budget for 25% additional duty unless you can prove transshipment or use a third-country origin certificate (if legal).
📣 Action Item:
📞 Contact FDA/USDA licensed brokers
📄 Prepare Health Certificates
📦 Declare accurately: “Salted Raw Sheepskin, Wool [Yes/No]”
✨ Precision in Classification = Savings in Duty & Time!
💼 Every Sheepskin Has a Story – Tell It Correctly!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.