Undyed Racoon Skins (With Tail)
CN β USProduct Images
AI Analysis
π¦ Undyed Raccoon Skins (With Tail)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Raccoon Skins"?
Raccoon skins, particularly those with tails attached, are high-value raw materials in the fur and leather industry. In international trade, they are classified under Chapter 43 (Furskins and Artificial Fur), not Chapter 41 (Leather). The key factor for classification is whether the skins are merely raw/unworked or tanned/dressed.
Crucial Distinction: * "Undyed" usually refers to the color status after tanning/dressing. If the skin is raw (fleshed but not tanned), it falls under Chapter 41. If the skin is tanned/dressed but not further dyed/painted, it falls under Chapter 43. * "With Tail" is a common commercial feature but does not change the HS Code classification, provided it is part of the standard whole skin. * Standard Industry Practice: Most "Raccoon Skins" traded commercially for garment manufacturing are tanned and dressed (chrome-tanned or vegetable-tanned) but sold in their natural brownish-grey color (undyed). These are classified under Chapter 43.
β οΈ Critical Decision Point:
- If Raw/Undressed (just skinned, salted, or lightly fleshed, no tanning): Classify under Chapter 41 (specifically 4103.90.90).
- If Tanned/Dressed (chemically treated to preserve, soft, ready for cutting) but not dyed: Classify under Chapter 43 (specifically 4302.30.30 or 4302.40.90 depending on size/grade).Note: The vast majority of commercial "Raccoon Skins" are tanned. This guide assumes Tanned/Dressed, Undyed skins, as raw skins are rarely exported in finished "with tail" form without prior processing.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tanned? | Dyed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4302.30.30.00 |
Raccoon skins, whole, with head and tail (Tanned) | High-quality garments, trimmings, hats | β Yes | β No (Natural Color) |
4302.40.90.00 |
Other mammal furskins, tanned, not further prepared | Lower grade, cut skins, or mixed lots | β Yes | β No |
4103.90.90.00 |
Other hides and skins, wet-blue or wet-white (Raw/Treated but not fully tanned) | Industrial processing, leather production | β οΈ Partial | β No |
4302.10.00.00 |
Whole skins, with or without head, paws or tail (Fox, etc.) | Excluded - Specific to other species | β Yes | β No |
π Key Reminder:
- Chapter 43 is for furskins (hair on). If the hair is removed, it becomes leather (Chapter 41). Raccoon is primarily used for hair-on fur.
- "Undyed" in Chapter 43 means the natural color is preserved. If dyed, it still falls under 4302, but customs may request additional info.
- "With Tail" is standard for raccoon and does not trigger a separate code.
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 (and subsequent imports)
β Section 301/IEEPA Context: Furskins are generally not targeted under the highest punitive tariffs like electronics, but Section 301 may still apply depending on specific processing. However, CITES/Endangered Species regulations are the primary hurdle.
π― 1. 4302.30.30.00 ββ Raccoon Skins, Tanned, Undyed
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | 5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | +7.5% (Note: Check current list; furs often face lower Section 301 rates than electronics. Assumption: 7.5% for Category 3/4 goods) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% (Furskins are generally exempt from the 10% IEEPA surcharge on consumer goods, but verify current status) |
| Total Tariff | 12.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Furskins are restricted for de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4302.30.30.00 β USITC Footnote: 301 Category 3 |
π Explanation:
- Raccoon is not a CITES-listed species (unlike mink or fox in some contexts), so no CITES permits are required for commercial trade.
- The base rate is 5%. Section 301 adds a penalty. IEEPA usually targets tech/consumer electronics, not raw furs.
- Total: ~12.5%.
π― 2. 4302.40.90.00 ββ Other Tanned Furskins (if not whole)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | 5% |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 12.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π Note:
- Cut skins (no tail/head) may fall here if they don't meet the "whole" definition.
- Same tariff burden as whole skins.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Note |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Undyed Tanned Raccoon Skins, With Tail" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail number of skins, weights, dimensions |
| β Animal Health Certificate | βοΈ | Issued by origin country's veterinary authority |
| β No CITES Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial: Raccoon is NOT CITES-listed. Provide a letter stating this. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | For tanning chemicals used (if requested by CBP) |
| β Photos of Skins | βοΈ | Show texture, color, and tail attachment |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Standard shipping docs |
β οΈ Warning:
- CITES Confusion: Many customs brokers mistakenly assume all furs need CITES. Raccoon is NOT CITES-listed. Providing unnecessary CITES docs may slow down clearance. Instead, provide a Manufacturer's Certificate of Non-Endangered Status.
- Section 301 Check: Always verify if the specific processing method (e.g., chrome-tanned vs. vegetable-tanned) changes the tariff category.
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Tanned is Chapter 43, Raw is 41, Raccoon is No CITES, Undyed is Natural Color!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tanned, undyed, whole skin | 4302.30.30.00 |
Declare as leather (41) β Delay for inspection |
| Raw, salted, un-dyed | 4103.90.90.00 |
Declare as tanned β Misclassification penalty |
| Dyed (black/red, etc.) | 4302.30.30.00 (same code) |
No code change, but declare "Dyed" in description |
| Cut skin (no tail) | 4302.40.90.00 |
Declare as whole skin β Inconsistency |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Lots | If mixed with fox/mink (CITES species), the entire shipment may be inspected for CITES compliance. Declare separately. |
| Samples | Still subject to 12.5% tariff. No de minimis for furs. |
| Origin: Vietnam/Mexico | Check Free Trade Agreements (USMCA). Furs may have preferential rates if processed in these countries. |
| Eco-Tax | Some countries impose environmental taxes on animal products. US does not currently, but EU does. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4302.30.30.00 |
12.5% | Animal Health Cert, Non-CITES Letter | Section 301 applies. No CITES needed. |
| π¨π³ China | 4302.30.30.00 |
10-20% | N/A | Import duties high. Quota may apply. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4302.30.30.00 |
5-12% | CITES? No. Animal Welfare Cert. | EU has strict animal welfare laws. Ensure humane treatment proof. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4302.30.30.00 |
5-12% | CITES? No. | Post-Brexit rules similar to EU. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4302.30.30.00 |
5-10% | N/A | Low tariffs. Strict quality inspection. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is relatively open for raccoon furs compared to CITES-listed species.
- Key Risk: Misclassification (declaring raw as tanned or vice versa) or CITES confusion.
- Cost Driver: Section 301 adds ~7.5% to base 5% tariff.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Assuming Raccoon needs CITES Permit
π Consequence: Unnecessary delays, higher brokerage fees, or rejection of documents.
π Fix: Provide a Non-CITES Letter from the supplier.
β Error 2: Declaring "Raw" skins as "Tanned"
π Consequence: HS Code change from 4302 to 4103. Tariff difference? Minor, but health inspection is stricter for raw skins.
π Fix: Be honest about processing status.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 301
π Consequence: Underpayment of duty. CBP will assess back-tariffs + interest.
π Fix: Include 7.5% additional duty in cost calculation.
β Error 4: Inconsistent Descriptions
π Consequence: "With Tail" in invoice but "No Tail" in packing list β Inspection.
π Fix: Ensure all documents match exactly.
β Correct Description Example:
"Undyed, Chrome-Tanned Raccoon Skins, Whole with Head and Tail, Commercial Grade, Non-CITES Listed Species, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember Mantra:
πΉ "Raccoon is NOT CITES, Tanned is Chapter 43, Undyed is Natural, Section 301 adds 7.5%!"
πΉ "HS Code 4302.30.30.00, Total Tariff ~12.5%, No De Minimis!"
π Pro Tip:
- If sourcing from North America (Canada/USA), tariffs may be 0% under USMCA (for US origin) or lower for Canada.
- Always verify Animal Welfare Laws in the destination country. The EU is particularly strict.
- Consider Pre-Submission Ruling from CBP if unsure about "Tanned" vs "Raw" status.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm with Supplier: "Are skins Chrome-Tanned or Vegetable-Tanned?"
π Get "Non-CITES" Letter from Supplier
π Calculate Landed Cost: CIF Γ (1 + 12.5%)
π Ensure smooth clearance for Raccoon Skins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Efficiency Depends on This Detail!
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.