Whole Buffalo Hide, Unsplit, Full Grain
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4107194000 | 12.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4107124000 | 12.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4104113060 | 12.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4104413060 | 12.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4101503500 | 19.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Whole Buffalo Hide, Unsplit, Full Grain (Untanned & Tanned Variants)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Buffalo Hide"?
Whole Buffalo Hide refers to the raw or processed skin of buffalo, retained in its full, unsplit integrity. In international trade, the classification hinges critically on processing status (tanned vs. raw) and legal origin restrictions (specifically regarding US Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs).
The data provided covers four distinct scenarios: 1. Raw/Salted Buffalo Hides: Classified under Chapter 41 (0101.50.35.00). 2. Chrome-Tanned/Ready-to-Take Leather: Classified under Chapter 41 (4107.19.40.00 / 4107.12.40.00). 3. Other Tanned/Prepared Hides: Classified under Chapter 41 (4104.11.30.60 / 4104.41.30.60).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the hide is raw (salted/fresh) β Goes to 4101.50.35.00.
- If the hide is tanned (chrome or vegetable) and meets "whole hide" criteria β Goes to 4107 or 4104 series.
- Crucial Note: All these HS codes attract significant Section 122 tariffs (10%) in addition to base and Section 301 tariffs.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tanning Status |
|---|---|---|---|
4101.50.35.00 |
Whole buffalo hides, fresh or salted, not split | Raw material, initial import stage | β Raw/Untanned |
4107.19.40.00 |
Whole buffalo leather, chrome-tanned, other than sheep/goat | Chrome-tanned leather, full grain, unsplit | β Chrome-Tanned |
4107.12.40.00 |
Whole buffalo leather, chrome-tanned (specific sub-category) | Chrome-tanned, meets specific buffalo leather definition | β Chrome-Tanned |
4104.11.30.60 |
Whole buffalo leather, other tanning, unsplit | Vegetable-tanned or other non-chrome tanning | β Other-Tanned |
4104.41.30.60 |
Whole buffalo leather, other tanning, unsplit (definition match) | Other tanned buffalo leather meeting "unsplit" criteria | β Other-Tanned |
π Important Reminder:
- 4101 covers raw hides. 4107/4104 covers processed leather.
- Misclassifying raw hides as tanned (or vice versa) can lead to customs delays or penalties.
- All listed HS codes apply to Unsplit hides (full thickness, not separated into layers).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current as per 2026 data (includes Section 122 & 301)
π― 1. 4101.50.35.00 β Whole Buffalo Hides, Raw/Untanned
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (USITC Footnote related to Chinese origin) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% (Specific levy on certain leather goods/hides from China) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 19.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 19.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Standard de minimis does not apply to these agricultural/leather products under these specific surcharges) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.01.24 β Section 122: 19 U.S.C. 2101 β USITC:4101.50.35.00 |
π Explanation:
- Base 2.4%: Standard MFN rate for raw hides.
- Section 301 (7.5%): Reflects the current status of agricultural/animal product tariffs under Trade Act Section 301.
- Section 122 (10%): A specific additional duty imposed on certain leather-related imports to support domestic industries.
- Total 19.9%: Significantly higher than typical manufactured goods due to the double surcharge.
π― 2. 4107.19.40.00 & 4107.12.40.00 β Chrome-Tanned Buffalo Leather
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +0.0% (Note: Data shows 0.0% for this specific sub-category under current view, likely due to specific exclusion or lower tier) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 12.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 19 U.S.C. 2101 β USITC:4107.19.40.00 |
π Explanation:
- Base 2.5%: Standard rate for chrome-tanned leather.
- Section 301 (0.0%): This specific code appears to have a reduced or zero Section 301 rate in this dataset, which is favorable compared to raw hides.
- Section 122 (10%): Still applies fully.
- Total 12.5%: More competitive than raw hides, but still burdened by Section 122.
π― 3. 4104.11.30.60 & 4104.41.30.60 β Other Tanned (e.g., Vegetable) Buffalo Leather
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +0.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 12.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 19 U.S.C. 2101 β USITC:4104.11.30.60 |
π Explanation:
- Base 2.4%: Standard rate for other tanned leather.
- Section 301 (0.0%): No additional 301 tariff in this specific classification view.
- Section 122 (10%): Applies fully.
- Total 12.4%: The lowest total rate among the options, but only if the tanning process qualifies for this "other tanned" category.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must specify: Buffalo, Unsplit, Full Grain, Tanning Method (Chrome/Veg), Weight, Dimensions. |
| β Tanning Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial for distinguishing between 4107 (Chrome) and 4104 (Other). Must confirm tanning agent used. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Whole Buffalo Hide, Unsplit, [Tanning Type]", Origin: China. |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure package count and gross/net weights match invoice. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Required to prove Chinese origin for Section 122/301 calculation. |
| β Photos of Hides | βοΈ | Show label, stitching (if any), and texture to prove "Unsplit" status. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ βRaw vs. Tanned, Chrome vs. Veg, 122 is King!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Salted Hides | 4101.50.35.00 |
Misdeclare as tanned β Penalty + Back Duty |
| Chrome-Tanned Leather | 4107.19.40.00 |
Misdeclare as raw β 19.9% instead of 12.5% (Overpay) or Customs Query |
| Veg-Tanned Leather | 4104.11.30.60 |
Misdeclare as Chrome β Wrong HS Code |
| Split Leather (Not Full) | Do NOT use these codes | Use these codes for split leather β Seizure/Fine |
π Critical Note on "Unsplit":
- If the hide is split (e.g., top grain + split layer), it does not qualify for these "Whole Hide" codes.
- Split leather often has different tariffs and may not be subject to Section 122 in the same way. Misclassifying split as whole can lead to severe penalties.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Section 122 Applicability | Verify if your specific supplier/manufacturer is subject to Section 122. Some exemptions may apply if not of Chinese origin (but data assumes CN origin). |
| Hybrid Shipments | If a container contains both raw and tanned hides, separate HS Codes must be used. Do not consolidate under one code. |
| Pre-Ruling Request | Given the complexity of Section 122 + 301, consider filing a Binding Ruling with CBP to confirm the HS code and tariff rate before shipment. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4101.50.35.00 / 4107.19.40.00 |
12.4% - 19.9% | No specific import certs | Section 122 (10%) is the key differentiator |
| π¨π³ China (Export) | 4101.50.35.00 / 4107.19.40.00 |
0% (Export Duty) | None | Focus on US tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4101 20 / 4104 11 |
~4.5% - 7% | REACH Compliance | No Section 122 equivalent; lower tariffs |
| π¬π§ UK | 4101 20 / 4104 11 |
~4.5% - 7% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4101 20 / 4104 11 |
~5% | No specific | Standard MFN rates |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for buffalo hides due to theε ε (layered) Section 301 + Section 122 tariffs.
- Raw hides (4101) are taxed highest at 19.9%.
- Tanned leathers (4107/4104) benefit from lower base/301 rates, totaling 12.4% - 12.5%.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Raw Hides as Tanned Leather
π Consequence: Customs may accept it temporarily, but if discovered, you owe the difference + penalties. Worse, if raw, it may not be subject to Section 301 but is subject to Section 122. Accuracy is vital.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122
π Consequence: Even if Section 301 is 0%, the 10% Section 122 applies. Many importers forget this and under-declare costs.
β Mistake 3: Confusing Unsplit with Split
π Consequence: Using "Whole Hide" codes for split leather is fraud. Split leather has different HS codes and potentially different tariff treatments.
β Mistake 4: Not Providing Tanning Method
π Consequence: Customs cannot distinguish between 4107 (Chrome) and 4104 (Other). This leads to hold-ups and potential re-classification to a higher/different rate.
β Correct Approach:
"Whole Buffalo Hide, Unsplit, Full Grain, Chrome-Tanned, Weight: 50 lbs, Origin: China, HS: 4107.19.40.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Raw is 19.9%, Tanned is ~12.5%, Section 122 hits 10%!"
πΉ "Unsplit is Key, Split is Different, Declare Exactly!"π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider:
1. Section 122 Exclusion Requests: Check if your product is eligible for exclusions.
2. Bonded Warehouses: Delay duty payment until sale.
3. Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ): Defend or eliminate duty payment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
π Provide Full Product Specs (Tanning Method, Split Status)
π Apply for Pre-Ruling if Unsure
π‘ Your Profit Margin Depends on Accurate Tariff Classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Cent in Duty Should Be Correctly Accounted For!
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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.