Un dyed Tanned or Raw Hides
CN β USProduct Images
AI Analysis
π Un-dyed Tanned or Raw Hides (Bovine/Equine/Ovine/Caprine)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What "Hides" Really Are?
"Un-dyed Tanned or Raw Hides" refers to animal skins that have undergone specific preservation processes but have not yet been dyed, colored, or finished for direct consumer use. In international trade, classification depends heavily on the species of the animal and the state of processing (Raw vs. Tanned).
Key Distinctions: * Raw Hides (Fresh/Salted/Dried): Animal skins that have been removed from the carcass and preserved (via salting, drying, or liming) but NOT tanned. * Tanned Hides (Undyed/Unfinished): Animal skins that have been tanned (preserved against decay) but NOT dyed, colored, or heavily finished.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the hide is Raw (salted/dried) β Generally Chapter 41 (Raw Hides & Skins).
- If the hide is Tanned but Undyed β Still Chapter 41, but specific subheadings vary by species and tanning method.
- If Dyed/Colored β Moves to Chapter 42 (Articles of Leather) or specific tanned leather headings.
- Note: "Un-dyed" means it retains the natural color of the hide (often pale or yellowish), not that it is white due to bleaching.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing State |
|---|---|---|---|
4101.20 |
Bovine (Cattle) Hides, Raw, Weighing β₯ 45kg per hide or β₯ 16kg per piece | Large cattle hides, salted or dried, raw | β Raw |
4101.50 |
Bovine (Cattle) Hides, Raw, Weighing < 45kg per hide or < 16kg per piece | Smaller cattle hides, often used for upholstery or light leather | β Raw |
4101.90 |
Bovine Hides, Other (Raw) | Includes raw hides not meeting weight criteria above | β Raw |
4102.10 |
Sheep or Lamb Skins, Raw | Fresh or preserved sheepskins | β Raw |
4102.21 |
Sheep Skins, Tanned or Crust, Not Further Dressed | White salted lamb skins (common in apparel) | β Tanned (Crust) |
4103.10 |
Reptile Skins, Raw | Snakes, crocodiles, lizards (raw) | β Raw |
4103.20 |
Reptile Skins, Tanned or Crust | Reptile skins preserved but not dyed | β Tanned |
4104.11 |
Bovine Hides, Tanned or Crust, Not Split | Full grain cowhides, undyed, ready for cutting | β Tanned |
4104.19 |
Bovine Hides, Other (Tanned/Crust, Split or Not) | Split hides or other tanned bovine leathers | β Tanned |
π Key Reminder:
- Raw Hides are typically classified under4101(Bovine),4102(Sheep), or4103(Reptiles).
- Tanned but Undyed/Unfinished hides are classified under4104(Bovine) or4105/4106(Other species).
- Do NOT confuse "Tanned" with "Dyed." Undyed tanned leather is still Chapter 41. Dyed/Colored leather may fall under Chapter 42 if made into articles, or specific headings if just dyed.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4101.20 β Bovine Hides, Raw, Heavy Weight
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 for Section 301 goods) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (for China/HK products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4101.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Raw bovine hides are subject to the 25% Section 301 tariff + 10% IEEPA tariff.
- Total 45% is extremely high. Many importers avoid raw hides from China due to cost.
- De Minimis (Section 321) is NOT available for these goods.
π― 2. 4104.11 β Bovine Hides, Tanned/Crust, Not Split
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Same as above |
π Note:
- Tanned, undyed cowhides (crust leather) face the same 45% tariff as raw hides.
- Even if "tanned," if the origin is China, the additional duties apply.
- Exception: If tanned in a third country (e.g., Vietnam, Italy) with substantial transformation, origin may change, potentially avoiding US/China tariffs.
π― 3. 4102.10 β Sheep/Lamb Skins, Raw
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 45% |
| De Minimis | β Not Eligible |
π Note:
- Sheepskins (especially for shearling, apparel) are also heavily taxed if from China.
- Many brands source sheepskins from New Zealand, Australia, or Uruguay to avoid these tariffs.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Raw" or "Tanned," species, weight, and "Undyed" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight per hide, total hides per pallet |
| β Species Declaration | βοΈ | Must state "Bovine," "Sheep," etc. |
| β Treatment Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of tanning or salting process |
| β Fumigation Certificate | βοΈ | Required for raw hides to prevent pest spread |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial for tariff determination |
| β Photo of Hides | βοΈ | Show natural color, no dye, and brand marks |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Raw vs. Tanned? Species Matters! Weight Counts! Don't Split!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Cattle Hide >45kg | 4101.20.00.00 |
Declaring as leather β Penalty |
| Tanned Cattle Hide (Crust) | 4104.11.00.00 |
Declaring as "Raw" β Misclassification |
| Sheepskin (White Salted) | 4102.21.00.00 |
Declaring as Bovine β Wrong Tariff |
| Mixed Species in One Container | Separate HS Codes | Combined declaration β Delays |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Tanning | If tanned in China but intended for US, tariffs apply. If tanned in Vietnam, origin may be VN. |
| Reptile Skins | Subject to CITES regulations. Must have CITES permit + HS Code 4103.10 or 4103.20. |
| Damaged Hides | Declare as "Grade B" or "Repaired." Tariff may still apply, but value declaration must reflect condition. |
| Sample Imports | If not for resale, may qualify for temporary import, but duties still apply if released into commerce. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4101.20 / 4104.11 |
45% (Raw & Tanned) | Fumigation + CITES (if reptile) | High tariffs, no de minimis |
| π¨π³ China | 4101.20 / 4104.11 |
0-5% (Import Duty) | None | Low import duty, but export controls may apply |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4101 / 4104 |
0% (MFN Rate) | REACH + CITES | No additional tariffs, but strict environmental rules |
| π¬π§ UK | 4101 / 4104 |
0% (MFN Rate) | UKCA + CITES | Post-Brexit rules, same MFN as EU |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4101 / 4104 |
0-5% | Biosecurity Import Permit | Strict biosecurity checks |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest tariff market for Chinese hides (45%).
- EU/UK are tariff-free for raw/tanned hides from China, but environmental and animal welfare regulations are strict.
- China is a major exporter, so import duties are low, but export controls may apply for certain species.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Tanned" hides as "Raw" to avoid certain inspections
π Consequence: Misclassification β Penalty + Back Taxes
β Mistake 2: Ignoring CITES for Reptile Skins
π Consequence: Seizure + Criminal Charges
β Mistake 3: Mixing Raw and Tanned Hides in One HS Code Declaration
π Consequence: Customs Rejection β Delay + Demurrage Charges
β Mistake 4: Not Providing Fumigation Certificate for Raw Hides
π Consequence: Rejected Entry + Return to Origin
β Correct Practice:
"Raw Bovine Hides, Salted, Cattle, 50kg each, Grade A, Fumigated, No Dye, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Raw vs. Tanned? Species Matters! Weight Counts! Don't Split!"
πΉ "HS Code Determines Tariff, 45% for China, 0% for EU, Watch CITES!"
π Tips:
- If your hides are tanned in Vietnam, Italy, or Turkey, and meet Substantial Transformation rules, you may claim Non-China Origin and avoid the 45% US tariff.
- Always apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Pre-Ruling if unsure about "Tanned" vs. "Crust" status.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Sample Photos + Apply for Pre-Ruling
π Let your hides Clear Customs Smoothly, Efficiently, and Profitably!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny Saved is a Penny Earned!
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.