Undyed Bovine Whole Hide Leather
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4107111040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4107111020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4107194000 | 12.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4107124000 | 12.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4104113060 | 12.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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🐄 Undyed Bovine Whole Hide Leather (未染色牛革带皮/水牛皮)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Undyed Bovine Leather"?
Undyed bovine leather refers to raw or semi-processed hides/skins from cattle (cows, bulls, or water buffalo) that have been cured, tanned, or semi-tanned but NOT yet dyed (colored). In international trade, the classification depends heavily on: 1. Specific Animal Species: Cattle (Bos taurus) vs. Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). 2. Physical State: Whole hide/skin, grain-side out, unsplit. 3. Processing Level: Tanned or semi-tanned, but undyed.
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Bovine Leather (Cow/Cattle): Generally faces higher tariffs due to US-China trade tensions (Section 301 + IEEPA).
- Water Buffalo Leather: Often classified separately and may attract lower tariffs, despite being bovine.
- "Undyed" Status: The lack of dye does not exempt the product from the high "Additional Tariffs."
📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided data, there are 5 specific HS Codes for this product, divided into two main categories: Cattle Leather (High Tariff) and Water Buffalo Leather (Lower Tariff).
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Material Type | Key Characteristics | Total Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4107.11.10.40 |
Undyed Cattle Leather Strips/Skins | Cattle | Material: Cattle Leather. Form: Leather. | 35.0% |
4107.11.10.20 |
Undyed Cattle Whole Hides/Skins | Cattle | Material: Cattle. Form: Whole, Full Grain, Unsplit. | 35.0% |
4107.19.40.00 |
Undyed Whole Water Buffalo Hides | Water Buffalo | Material: Water Buffalo. Form: Hairless. Tanned/Semi-tanned. | 12.5% |
4107.12.40.00 |
Undyed Whole Water Buffalo Hides | Water Buffalo | Material: Water Buffalo. Form: Intact, Hairless. | 12.5% |
4104.11.30.60 |
Undyed Whole Water Buffalo Hides | Water Buffalo | Material: Water Buffalo. Form: Hairless. Further Unprocessed. | 12.4% |
🔍 Key Takeaway:
- Cattle Leather (4107.11.10.xx): High tax burden (35%).
- Water Buffalo Leather (4107.19.xx,4107.12.xx,4104.11.30.xx): Moderate tax burden (~12.5%).
- Why the difference? US customs often distinguishes between standard cattle hides and water buffalo hides for tariff purposes, with water buffalo sometimes falling under different subheadings with lower additional duties.
💰 Part 3: 2026 Tariff Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Nov 10, 2025 onwards (for subsequent imports)
🎯 Category A: Cattle Leather (4107.11.10.40 & 4107.11.10.20)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (Section 122) Additional Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → USITC:4107.11.10.xx → FOOTNOTE:301 |
📌 Explanation:
- Even though the base tariff for cattle leather is 0%, the Section 301 (25%) and IEEPA (10%) additional tariffs apply strictly to Chinese-origin cattle leather.
- Total effective rate: 35%. This is a significant cost driver.
🎯 Category B: Water Buffalo Leather (4107.19.40.00, 4107.12.40.00, 4104.11.30.60)
1. 4107.19.40.00 & 4107.12.40.00
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| IEEPA (Section 122) Additional Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 12.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 12.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
2. 4104.11.30.60
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.4% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| IEEPA (Section 122) Additional Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 12.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 12.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
📌 Explanation:
- Base Tariff: Unlike cattle leather, water buffalo leather has a small base tariff (2.4%-2.5%).
- No Section 301: These specific subheadings for water buffalo leather are exempt from the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- IEEPA Still Applies: The 10% IEEPA tariff still applies, bringing the total to ~12.5%.
- Savings: Choosing the correct HS code for water buffalo leather can save ~22.5% in duties compared to cattle leather.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Risk Avoidance)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Undyed Bovine Leather" and specify Species (Cow vs. Water Buffalo). |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail the weight, dimensions, and number of hides/skins. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | To prove origin as China. If from another country, preferential rates may apply. |
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Include: Tanning process (semi-tanned/tanned), grain side out, hair removed, undyed status. |
| ✅ Photos of Hides | ✔️ | Show the grain side, flesh side, and any brand marks. Proves "whole hide" status. |
| ✅ Import License | ✔️ | If required for specific animal products (check USDAAPHIS if applicable). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Species First, Tariff Diverges; Whole Hide, No Split; Undyed, Still Taxed; Buffalo Saves You Cash."
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cow/Cattle Leather | 4107.11.10.xx |
Declare as "Water Buffalo" | Penalty for Misclassification; Back taxes + fines. |
| Water Buffalo Leather | 4107.19.40.xx etc. |
Declare as "Cattle Leather" | Overpaying Tariff (35% vs 12.5%). |
| Split Leather | ❌ Not in Data | Declare as "Whole Hide" | Rejected by Customs; Needs correct split-leather code. |
| Dyed Leather | ❌ Not in Data | Declare as "Undyed" | Misdeclaration; Higher duty rates may apply if dyed codes are different. |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Consignment (Cow + Buffalo) | Separate Declarations! Do not mix. Each type requires its own HS Code and duty calculation. Mixing leads to audit risks. |
| "Bovine" Ambiguity | If supplier says "Bovine" but doesn't specify Cow vs. Buffalo, request species proof. Defaulting to Cattle (4107.11.10) incurs 35% tax. If it's Buffalo, you can save ~22.5%. |
| Partial Hides vs. Whole Hides | 4107.11.10.40 mentions "leather strips/skins" for cattle. 4107.11.10.20 is for "whole hides." Ensure your product matches the physical description. Partial hides may have different rules. |
| Water Buffalo "No Hair" Status | Codes 4107.19.40 and 4107.12.40 require "no hair" and "whole." If hair is present, it may be classified as "raw" (0410 or similar), which has different tariffs. Ensure the hair is fully removed. |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4107.11.10.20 (Cow) |
35.0% | High due to Section 301 + IEEPA. |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4107.19.40.00 (Buffalo) |
12.5% | Significant savings. Must prove species. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4107.11.10.xx |
~10-15% | Import into China for re-export. Check local VAT. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4107.11 |
~4.5% | No Section 301. Lower base tariff. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 4107.11 |
~4.5% | Post-Brexit tariff schedule applies. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for undyed bovine leather due to trade wars.
- Species Matters: Water buffalo leather is significantly cheaper to import into the US than cattle leather.
- Documentation is Key: You must prove the species to justify the lower tariff.
📌 Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Assuming all "Bovine Leather" is taxed at 35%.
👉 Fix: Distinguish between Cow/Cattle and Water Buffalo. If it's Buffalo, use 4107.19 or 4107.12 to save ~22.5%.
❌ Error 2: Declaring "Undyed" but failing to provide evidence.
👉 Fix: Provide photos and spec sheets showing no dye/finish. Customs may inspect physically.
❌ Error 3: Mixing Whole Hides and Split Hides in one declaration.
👉 Fix: Split hides are often classified under 4107.21 or 4107.31 (not in this dataset). Mixing causes clearance delays.
❌ Error 4: Ignoring IEEPA (10%) tariff.
👉 Fix: Even if Section 301 doesn't apply (e.g., Buffalo), IEEPA still does. Budget for at least 12.4-12.5% for Buffalo, 35% for Cow.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Undyed, Whole, Hairless Water Buffalo Hides, Semi-Tanned, Grain Side Out, No Dye, Country of Origin: China."
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Species First: Cow = 35%, Buffalo = 12.5%."
🔹 "Whole Hide, No Split, No Dye."
🔹 "IEEPA is Always On (10%), Section 301 is for Cow (25%)."
📌 Pro Tip:
If your supplier can provide a Species Confirmation Letter stating the hides are from Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), you can legally declare under 4107.19.40.00 or 4107.12.40.00, saving over $22,500 per $1 million in CIF value compared to Cattle Leather.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact your customs broker to verify species documentation.
📸 Gather photos of the hides' grain and flesh sides.
📄 Request a Certificate of Origin and Species Declaration from the supplier.
🚀 Optimize your HS Code to save 22.5% in duties!
✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Dollar Saved in Duties is Pure Profit!
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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) — 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.