Suede
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4202110030 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202216000 | 45.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6403919025 | 20.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6403516015 | 18.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Suede Footwear & Leather Goods (Suede: Pigskin & Other Leather)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Suede"?
Suede is a type of leather with a napped finish, commonly used in footwear and accessories. In international trade, it is primarily categorized by the animal source (pigskin vs. other leathers) and the product type (footwear vs. bags/cases).
Key Distinctions:
- Pigskin Suede (Eaux): Often used in womenβs footwear and certain menβs items due to its texture and durability.
- Other Leather Suede (e.g., Cow, Goat): Used in briefcases, handbags, and ankle boots.
- Product Category Split:
- Footwear: Covered by Chapter 64 (HS 6403).
- Bags/Cases: Covered by Chapter 42 (HS 4202).
β οΈ Critical Clarification:
- Footwear with suede uppers is classified under 6403 (if outer sole is rubber/plastic/leather) or 6405 (if other).
- Bags/Cases with suede outer surfaces are classified under 4202.
- Do not mix footwear and bag codes! They have different tariff structures.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS codes for suede products:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Type | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
6403.91.90.25 |
Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather, or composition leather; Other footwear covering the ankle; For women | Pigskin uppers | Ankle boots, casual shoes for women |
6403.51.60.15 |
Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather, or composition leather; Other footwear with outer soles of leather; Covering the ankle; For men, youths, boys | Pigskin uppers | Menβs leather-soled ankle boots/shoes |
4202.11.00.30 |
Trunks, suitcases, briefcases, school satchels, etc.; With outer surface of leather or composition leather | Leather/Composition Leather | Briefcases, school bags, attachΓ© cases |
4202.21.60.00 |
Handbags, with/without shoulder strap; With outer surface of leather or composition leather | Leather/Composition Leather | Valued not over $20 each |
π Important Note:
- "Suede" is generally considered a type of leather for classification purposes unless specified otherwise.
- For footwear, the gender (Men vs. Women) and sole material are critical.
- For bags, the value ($20 threshold) and type (Handbag vs. Briefcase) determine the code.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates apply as per 2026 data
π― 1. 6403.91.90.25 ββ Womenβs Suede Footwear (Pigskin)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Footwear is generally excluded from de minimis benefits for China-origin goods under certain conditions, though base rate is 0%) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6403.91.90.25 |
π Explanation:
- Womenβs pigskin suede footwear has zero tariffs under current US-China trade terms for this specific classification.
- Caution: Misclassification as non-suede or wrong gender could lead to higher duties.
π― 2. 6403.51.60.15 ββ Menβs/Youth Suede Footwear (Pigskin)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6403.51.60.15 |
π Explanation:
- Menβs pigskin suede footwear also enjoys 0% tariff.
- Ensure the outer sole is correctly declared as leather/rubber/plastic to fit6403and not6405.
π― 3. 4202.11.00.30 ββ Leather Briefcases/Satchels (Composition Leather)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4202.11.00.30 |
π Explanation:
- Briefcases and school satchels with leather/composition leather surfaces are 0% taxed.
- Composition leather includes artificial suede-like materials.
π― 4. 4202.21.60.00 ββ Handbags Valued β€ $20 (Leather)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4202.21.60.00 |
π Explanation:
- Handbags valued not over $20 each are classified here.
- Value Threshold is Critical: If the handbag is valued over $20, it may fall under a different subheading with different rates.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Field Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must state material: "Pigskin Suede" or "Composition Leather". |
| β Material Certification | βοΈ | Proof of suede type (pigskin vs. cowhide) to avoid misclassification. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Womenβs Pigskin Suede Ankle Boots" or "Handbag, Value < $20". |
| β Photos of Product | βοΈ | Show texture (napped surface) to prove suede. Show sole material. |
| β Declaration of Value | βοΈ | For handbags, explicitly state unit value to qualify for < $20 rate. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Suede is Leather, Gender Matters, Value Thresholds Count!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Womenβs Pigskin Suede Boots | 6403.91.90.25 |
Declare as "Womenβs Shoes" only β Risk of audit |
| Menβs Pigskin Suede Shoes | 6403.51.60.15 |
Declare as "Menβs Shoes" β Risk of misclassification |
| Briefcase with Suede Outer | 4202.11.00.30 |
Declare as "Textile Bag" β Higher duties may apply |
| Handbag < $20 | 4202.21.60.00 |
Declare as "Handbag > $20" β Wrong HS code |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Suede upper + Rubber sole) | Declare as Leather Footwear (Chapter 64) because the upper is leather. |
| Composition Leather Suede (Artificial Suede) | Can be classified under 4202.11.00.30 if it meets the definition of "composition leather." |
| Handbag Value > $20 | Must reclassify to a different 4202.21.xxxx code. Check updated tariff tables. |
| Footwear with Textile Upper | Not covered in this data. Would fall under 6111/6115 (Textiles). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6403.91.90.25 / 4202.11.00.30 |
0% | Current zero-tariff status for these specific codes. |
| π¨π³ China | 6403.91 / 4202.11 |
8%-10% | Import duties apply. Check for MFN rates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6403.91 / 4202.21 |
6%-9.6% | Varies by member state. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6403.91 / 4202.21 |
8% | Post-Brexit tariffs apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA currently offers 0% tariffs for these specific suede products, making it highly competitive.
- Ensure accurate classification to maintain this benefit. Misclassification can lead to penalties or lost savings.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Suede" as "Textile"
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code (Chapter 61/62 instead of 64/42) β Higher duties & delays.
β Error 2: Ignoring Gender for Footwear
π Consequence: Menβs and Womenβs codes have different sub-headings. Misclassification β Audit risk.
β Error 3: Not Specifying Value for Handbags
π Consequence: Failing to state < $20 for 4202.21.60.00 β May be reclassified to a higher-duty code.
β Error 4: Confusing Composition Leather with Fabric
π Consequence: Composition leather is classified as Leather (Chapter 42), not Textile.
β Correct Approach:
"Womenβs Pigskin Suede Ankle Boots, Rubber Sole, CIF $50, Made in China"
"Composition Leather Briefcase, Suede Finish, CIF $100, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Suede = Leather, Not Textile!"
πΉ "Gender & Sole Material Define Footwear Code!"
πΉ "Value < $20 for Handbag Savings!"
πΉ "0% Tariff in US for These Codes β Stay Compliant!"
π Pro Tip:
If your suede products are not made in China (e.g., Vietnam, Italy), you may still enjoy 0% tariffs under normal MFN rates. However, always verify Country of Origin markings.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker to confirm material composition.
π Accurate Declaration = Smooth Clearance = Maximized Profit!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Compliance is Your Competitive Advantage!
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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.