Untanned Dehaired Goat Skin
CN β USAI Analysis
π Untanned Dehaired Goat Skin
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Untanned Dehaired Goat Skin"?
"Untanned Dehaired Goat Skin" refers to goat hides that have undergone mechanical or chemical processes to remove hair (dehairing) and flesh, but have not yet undergone the tanning process that stabilizes the protein structure against decay. In international trade, these are considered "raw hides" or "grease splits" depending on the preservation method (salted, wet blue, etc., though "untanned" specifically implies pre-tanning).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Dehaired but Untanned: Classified under Chapter 41 (Raw Hides and Skins), typically 4102.
- Tanned/Finished Goat Leather: Classified under Chapter 41, specifically 4104 or 4105.
- Goat Meat/Carcass: Classified under Chapter 2.
- If "Dehaired" implies "Raw Hair-on": No, dehairing means hair is gone. If hair is removed but skin is raw, it is 4102.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tanning Status | Hair Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4102.21.00.00 |
Goat skins, dehaired, not further prepared than salted, dried, limed, pickled, or similar | Raw hides ready for tanning | β Untanned | β Removed |
4102.29.00.00 |
Other goat skins, dehaired | Includes wet blue (partially tanned but not fully finished) or other preservation methods | β οΈ Partially Tanned (if wet blue) or Raw | β Removed |
4104.41.00.00 |
Goatskins, tanned and dressed, chrome tanned | Finished leather for shoes/bags | β Tanned | β Removed |
4104.49.00.00 |
Other goatskins, tanned and dressed | Vegetable-tanned or other finish | β Tanned | β Removed |
π Key Reminder:
- "Untanned" is the critical keyword. If the skin has been tanned (even lightly to create "wet blue"), it moves to 4104.
- "Dehaired" confirms it is not "hair-on" (which would be 4101 or 4102 with hair).
- Most Common Import: Raw salted/dehaired goat skins for leather manufacturing β 4102.21.00.00.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Note: Rates vary by origin; US-China trade dynamics are critical)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (Subject to Section 301 and IEEPA updates)
π― 1. 4102.21.00.00 ββ Goat Skins, Dehaired, Salted/Prepared (Untanned)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | 3.2% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff (List 4A) | +7.5% (Applicable to Chinese goods under HTS 4102.21) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (If applicable to specific Chinese origin goods under emergency powers) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.7% (Base 3.2% + 301 7.5% + IEEPA 10% = 20.7%) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deny de minimis for raw hides > $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4102.21.00.00 β USITC:Footnote:301.4A β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- Raw goat skins are essential raw materials for the US leather industry.
- Section 301 imposes an additional 7.5% on many leather-related raw materials from China.
- IEEPA may add 10% if the goods fall under specific emergency import restrictions.
- Total 20.7% is significant for low-value raw materials.
π― 2. 4102.29.00.00 ββ Other Dehaired Goat Skins (e.g., Wet Blue)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Tariff (List 4A) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π Note:
- "Wet Blue" (partially tanned) is still often classified under 4102.29 if not fully dressed.
- Same tariff structure as salted skins.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state "Untanned," "Dehaired," "Goat Skin," preservation method (e.g., Salted, Lime-fleshed) |
| β Photos of Hides | βοΈ | Show texture, absence of hair, and any marks/branding |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Untanned Dehaired Goat Skins" β do NOT use "Leather" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include gross/net weight, number of skins, and preservation method |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required for Section 301 duty calculation |
| β FDA Form 2877 | βοΈ | If for human food use (rare for goat skins, but possible for pet food) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βRaw Hides: βUntannedβ is Key, βLeatherβ is Wrong! Declare Preservation Method, Avoid 20.7% Surprise!β
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Salted, dehaired, no tanning | 4102.21.00.00 β "Untanned Dehaired Goat Skins, Salted" |
Label as "Leather" β Customs may misclassify and penalize |
| Wet Blue (partially tanned) | 4102.29.00.00 β "Dehaired Goat Skins, Wet Blue" |
Label as "Finished Leather" β Wrong HS, wrong duty |
| Finished Goat Leather | 4104.41.00.00 |
Use for raw skins β Misdeclaration |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Lots (Goat & Sheep) | Must separate by species. Goat skins β Sheepskins. Mixed declaration causes delays. |
| Damaged/Hairy Patches | If hair is not fully removed, it may be reclassified as "With Hair" (higher duty or different code). Ensure full dehairing. |
| Preservation Method | Must specify: Salted, Dried, Limed, or Pickled. This affects 4102.21 vs 4102.29. |
| Pet Food Use | If for human consumption (rare for goat), different FDA rules apply. Declare clearly. |
π 5. Global Major Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4102.21.00.00 |
~20.7% | No specific, but accurate description | High duty due to 301/IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 4102.21.00.00 |
10% | No specific | Raw material import |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4102 21 00 |
3.2% + 17.5% VAT | REACH, ECHA | No Section 301, but VAT high |
| π¬π§ UK | 4102 21 00 |
3.2% + 20% VAT | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4102 21 00 |
5% | AQIS Biosecurity | Strict biosecurity checks |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest duty burden for Chinese raw goat skins due to Section 301 and IEEPA.
- EU/UK have lower base tariffs but high VAT.
- Biosecurity is a major issue in Australia, NZ, and USA for raw animal products.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood Tears Lesson)
β Mistake 1: Labeling "Untanned Skins" as "Leather"
π Consequence: Customs may reject declaration as "finished goods," leading to audits, fines, and delays.
π Correct: Use "Raw Hides" or "Untanned Skins."
β Mistake 2: Failing to specify "Dehaired"
π Consequence: If hair is present, it may be classified as 4101 (with hair), which has different duties and quarantine requirements.
π Correct: Always state "Dehaired" if hair is removed.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Preservation Method
π Consequence: Salted vs. Wet Blue may fall under different sub-headings (4102.21 vs 4102.29). Misclassification leads to incorrect duty calculation.
π Correct: Clearly state "Salted," "Lime-fleshed," or "Wet Blue."
β Mistake 4: Not declaring Origin Accurately
π Consequence: If origin is misdeclared, Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges may be missed, leading to post-clearance audits and penalties.
π Correct: Always provide accurate Certificate of Origin.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"UNTANNED DEHAIRD GOAT SKINS, SALT-PRESERVED, FOR LEATHER MANUFACTURING, ORIGIN: CHINA, HS CODE: 4102.21.00.00"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision in Raw Material Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember Mnemonic:
πΉ "Untanned is Key, Dehaired is Clear, Leather is Wrong, Save Your Dollar!"
πΉ "4102 for Raw, 4104 for Tanned, Mix Them Up, Fees Will Span!"
π Pro Tip:
- If importing Wet Blue (partially tanned), ensure it is not considered "finished leather" to avoid higher duties.
- For US imports, calculate the 20.7% duty in your cost model.
- Biosecurity: Raw animal skins may require APHIS/USDA pre-approval for entry into the US. Check USDA rules.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker + Provide Product Photos + Verify HS Code with USITC
π Ensure 4102.21.00.00 is declared correctly to avoid 20.7% penalty and biosecurity delays.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Raw Hide Counts β Donβt Let Misclassification Cost You!
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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.