buffalo leather split leather for furniture
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4104413060 | 12.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4101203500 | 19.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4104113010 | 12.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4101503500 | 19.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4107915000 | 12.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π Buffalo Leather Split Leather for Furniture
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for USA Imports
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Buffalo Leather" in Customs?
Buffalo leather, a key raw material in the global furniture industry, is complex in classification because it depends heavily on processing status (tanned vs. raw), species origin (domestic vs. imported bison), and physical form (whole hides vs. split layers).
In international trade, "Buffalo Leather for Furniture" is generally categorized into two main states: 1. Tanned/Processed Leather (Finished/Semi-finished): Tanned, dyed, and often split into layers for upholstery. 2. Raw/Hides (Unprocessed): Fresh salted or pickled hides intended for further tanning.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the leather is Tanned (Finished) and used for upholstery, it falls under Chapter 41 Heading 4104 or 4107.
- If the leather is Raw (Unprocessed), it falls under Chapter 41 Heading 4101 or 4102.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring tanned leather as raw hides (or vice versa) can lead to severe penalties due to duty rate discrepancies (e.g., 12.4% vs. 19.9%).
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on your specific product "Buffalo Leather Split Leather for Furniture" and the provided data, here are the 5 potential HS Codes and their logical reasoning:
| HS Code | Product Description | Reason for Classification | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
4104.41.30.60 |
Tanned Buffalo Leather (Other) | Matches Buffalo material + Whole/Processed state. "Split leather" implies it is tanned/processed. The summary states it fits "other categories" of processed leather. | β Highly Likely for processed upholstery leather |
4101.20.35.00 |
Raw Buffalo Hides (Whole) | Matches Raw Buffalo species + Whole form. The summary notes that "use for furniture" does not change the raw hide status. | β If the leather is UN-tanned (Raw) |
4104.11.30.10 |
Tanned Buffalo Leather (Full Grain/Whole) | Matches Buffalo material + Whole Unprocessed/Form. The summary states no material conflict despite different use. | β οΈ Possible if it's a specific type of processed hide not fully split |
4101.50.35.00 |
Raw Buffalo Hides (Other) | Matches Raw Buffalo characteristics. Use for furniture does not conflict with the "untanned" attribute. | β If the leather is UN-tanned (Raw) |
4107.91.50.00 |
Finished Leather (Other) | Matches Material, Form (Full Grain/Unsplit) & Use (Flooring/Upholstery). The summary confirms compatibility with "leather for laying" (often used for flooring/upholstery). | β Specific for finished leather where use is a key factor |
π Key Insight:
-4104.41.30.60and4107.91.50.00are for TANDED/PROCESSED leather (most common for "furniture leather").
-4101.20.35.00and4101.50.35.00are for RAW/HIDES (un-tanned).
- "Split Leather" usually implies it has been processed (tanned) and then split. Therefore, Chapter 4104 or 4107 is more accurate than 4101.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Note: If origin is not China, surtaxes may vary)
β Effective Date: Current 2026 Tariff Structure
π― 1. 4104.41.30.60 β Tanned Buffalo Leather (Processed)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 2.4% |
| Surtax (Section 301/Retaliatory) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 12.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deny de minimis for textiles/leathers from China under specific rules) |
| Legal Path | Base: 2.4% β Add-on: 10% (Sec 122) |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable rate for processed buffalo leather among the options.
- Section 122 Duty (10%) is a specific agricultural/textile-related surtax.
- No Section 301 Surtax applied here in this specific dataset, making it significantly cheaper than raw hides.
π― 2. 4101.20.35.00 β Raw Buffalo Hides
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 2.4% |
| Surtax (Section 301/Retaliatory) | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 19.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 19.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base: 2.4% β Add-on: 7.5% β Add-on: 10% (Sec 122) |
π Warning:
- 19.9% is significantly higher than 12.4%.
- The 7.5% Surtax is likely a retaliatory or Section 301 related duty on raw materials.
- Only use this code if the goods are DEFINITELY RAW (Un-tanned).
π― 3. 4104.11.30.10 β Tanned Buffalo Leather (Specific Type)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 2.4% |
| Surtax (Section 301/Retaliatory) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 12.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base: 2.4% β Add-on: 10% (Sec 122) |
π Note:
- Same duty rate as4104.41.30.60(12.4%).
- The distinction lies in the specific sub-category (e.g., full grain vs. other). Ensure the physical form matches "Whole" description in the summary.
π― 4. 4101.50.35.00 β Raw Buffalo Hides (Other)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 2.4% |
| Surtax (Section 301/Retaliatory) | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 19.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 19.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base: 2.4% β Add-on: 7.5% β Add-on: 10% (Sec 122) |
π Warning:
- Same high duty rate (19.9%) as other raw hides.
- Avoid this for furniture upholstery leather unless it is genuinely raw.
π― 5. 4107.91.50.00 β Finished Leather (Other)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 2.8% |
| Surtax (Section 301/Retaliatory) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base: 2.8% β Add-on: 10% (Sec 122) |
π Note:
- Slightly higher (12.8%) than4104codes (12.4%).
- Higher basic duty (2.8% vs 2.4%).
- Use if the leather is Finished and explicitly for "laying" (flooring) or specific upholstery standards.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Tanned vs. Raw, Buffalo Species, Split Thickness, Finish Type. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Buffalo Leather, Split, Tanned, for Furniture Use" (or Raw if applicable). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and volume details. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To verify origin and apply correct surtaxes. |
| β Photos of Goods | βοΈ | Show texture, grain, and edges to prove "Split" or "Whole" status. |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Standard shipping document. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Tanned is 12%, Raw is 20%! Don't Mix Them Up!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture Upholstery Leather | 4104.41.30.60 or 4107.91.50.00 |
Declaring as Raw Hides β 19.9% Duty |
| Raw Hides (for Tanning Factory) | 4101.20.35.00 or 4101.50.35.00 |
Declaring as Finished Leather β 12.4% Duty (Risk of Fraud) |
| "Split" Leather | Emphasize "Tanned & Split" | Only saying "Leather" β Ambiguity, leads to audit |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Furniture Leather | Provide OEM contract showing "Furniture Use". Helps justify 4104 classification. |
| Mixed Shipments | Do not mix Raw Hides and Finished Leather in one HS Code. Split the entry. |
| Section 122 Duty | This 10% duty is mandatory for leather products from China. Budget for it. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | β NOT ELIGIBLE. Leather from China does not qualify for the $800 de minimis exemption. Full formal entry required. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4104.41.30.60 |
12.4% (Processed) 19.9% (Raw) |
None specific | High surtaxes due to trade policies. |
| π¨π³ China | 4104.41.30.60 |
5-10% (Import) | CCC (if applicable) | Low import duty, but complex customs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4104.41.90 |
4% - 6% | REACH (Chemicals) | No Section 122 equivalent, but REACH compliance is strict. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4104.41.00 |
4% - 6% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market for buffalo leather due to Section 122 (10%) and potential Surtaxes.
- Processed Leather (12.4%) is significantly cheaper than Raw Hides (19.9%) in the USA.
- Always confirm Tanning Status before declaring.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Tanned Split Leather as Raw Hides to avoid Section 122?
π Result: Customs inspection reveals tanning chemicals/texture β Penalty + Back Duties + Audit.
β Error 2: Declaring Raw Hides as Finished Leather to save 7.5% Surtax?
π Result: Customs rejects "Furniture Use" claim for raw hides β Delay + Demurrage Charges.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Duty.
π Result: Underpayment by 10% β 100% Penalty on the difference.
β Correct Practice:
"Buffalo Split Leather, Tanned, Dyed, for Upholstery/Furniture, 2.0mm Thickness, HS Code 4104.41.30.60"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Stay Compliant!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Tanned is 12.4%, Raw is 19.9%! Don't Guess!"
πΉ "Section 122 is 10% on ALL Leather from China!"
πΉ "De Minimis is NO for Leather!"
π Pro Tip:
If your buffalo leather is Tanned and for Furniture, use 4104.41.30.60 for the lowest legal duty (12.4%).
If you are importing Raw Hides, expect 19.9%.
Always provide photos and specs to prove Tanning Status.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Confirm Tanned vs. Raw Status
π Ensure Accurate HS Code, Avoid 7.5% Surcharge, and Clear Customs Smoothly!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Saves You 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) 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.