生动物皮
CN → USAI Analysis
🐊 生动物皮（Raw Animal Hides and Skins）
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Raw Animal Skins"?
Raw animal skins and hides are the primary raw materials for the leather industry, obtained by removing meat, fat, and hair from the carcasses of mammals (such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses) or reptiles (such as crocodiles, lizards, snakes). In international trade, they are strictly regulated due to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements and ethical concerns.
They are broadly classified into:
Hides (Large Mammals): Typically from cattle, buffalo, horse, etc. They are usually salted or fresh-frozen. Skins (Small Mammals & Reptiles): From sheep, goats, pigs, calves, or reptiles. Often treated with chemicals or salted.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is fresh (unprocessed, just slaughtered): Generally falls under Chapter 41. - If it is preserved (salted, pickled, dried): Still falls under Chapter 41, but requires specific sanitary declarations. - If it is tanned or processed: Falls under Chapter 41 (if partially tanned) or Chapter 43 (if further processed into furskins). - Note: "Raw" implies no tanning has occurred. Tanned skins are not raw animal skins.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing State |
|---|---|---|---|
4101.20.00.00 |
Bovine hides (including calf), fresh or salted | Cattle hides for shoe/leather industry | ✅ Fresh/Salted |
4101.21.00.00 |
Bovine hides, fresh (unwashed) | Unprocessed cattle hides | ✅ Fresh |
4101.29.00.00 |
Other bovine hides (salted/dried) | Salted cattle hides | ✅ Preserved |
4102.10.00.00 |
Sheep or lamb skins, with wool on | Wool-on sheepskins (e.g., for rugs) | ✅ With Wool |
4102.21.00.00 |
Sheep or lamb skins, without wool, fresh/salted | Skinned sheep for leather | ✅ Skinned |
4102.29.00.00 |
Other sheep or lamb skins (de-haired/pickled) | De-haired sheep skins | ✅ Preserved |
4103.10.00.00 |
Goat or kid skins, fresh or salted | Goat skins for leather goods | ✅ Fresh/Salted |
4103.20.00.00 |
Other goat or kid skins | Skinned goats | ✅ Skinned |
4104.11.00.00 |
Bovine or equine leather, chrome-tanned | Tanned leather (Not raw) | ❌ Tanned (Chapter 41, but processed) |
4107.11.00.00 |
Chrome-tanned bovine leather, unsplit | Further processed leather | ❌ Tanned |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Chapter 41 covers raw hides and skins, including those preserved (salted, pickled) but not tanned. - If the skin has undergone tanning (especially chrome-tanning), it is still in Chapter 41 but classified under different subheadings (e.g., 4104, 4107). - Reptile skins (crocodile, snake) often fall under 4106 (reptile skins) or specific provisions. For general "raw animal skins," focus on 4101-4103. - Do not confuse with "Tanned Leather" (Chapter 41) or "Fur Skins" (Chapter 43).
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 4101.20.00.00 —— Bovine Hides, Fresh or Salted
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +0% (Generally exempt for raw materials) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → USITC:4101.20.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- Raw hides are often considered essential raw materials, so the base rate is low or zero. - However, the IEEPA 10% surcharge applies to Chinese-origin raw animal skins. - Total 10% is moderate compared to other categories.
🎯 2. 4102.10.00.00 —— Sheep/Lamb Skins, with Wool On
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → USITC:4102.10.00.00 |
📌 Note:
- Wool-on sheepskins are often used for rugs or automotive interiors. - Same IEEPA 10% surcharge applies.
🎯 3. 4103.10.00.00 —— Goat/Kid Skins, Fresh or Salted
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → USITC:4103.10.00.00 |
📌 Note:
- Goat skins are commonly used for gloves, shoes, and luxury leather goods. - Same IEEPA 10% surcharge applies.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Sanitary Certificate | ✔️ | Issued by the country of origin, certifying no animal diseases (e.g., Foot-and-Mouth Disease). |
| ✅ Phytosanitary Certificate | ❌ (If applicable) | Not always required for animal skins, but check specific origin requirements. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state "Raw Bovine Hides," "Salted," or "Fresh." |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail weight, number of hides, preservation method (salted/dried). |
| ✅ Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | ✔️ | Standard shipping documents. |
| ✅ FDA Prior Notice | ✔️ | Required if imported for food-related purposes (unlikely for skins, but verify). |
| ✅ USDA Import Permit | ✔️ | Critical. Animal products require USDA APHIS approval. |
| ✅ Test Report | ✔️ | Heavy metal, chemical residue (if salted with chemicals). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
🔥 "Fresh vs. Salted, Wool On or Off, USDA Permit First!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Cattle Hides | 4101.21.00.00 "Fresh Bovine Hides" |
Misdeclare as "Salted" → Inspection delay |
| Salted Sheepskins | 4102.21.00.00 "Salted Sheep Skins" |
Omit "Salted" → Sanitary rejection |
| Wool-on Sheepskins | 4102.10.00.00 "Sheepskins, With Wool" |
Omit "With Wool" → Wrong HS Code |
| Tanned Leather | 4104.11.00.00 "Chrome-Tanned Leather" |
Declare as "Raw Skin" → Illegal import |
✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| High-Value Reptile Skins (Crocodile, Snake) | Requires CITES Permit (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). No CITES = Confiscation. |
| Bovine Hides from BSE-Risk Countries | Strictly prohibited or heavily restricted. Ensure origin is BSE-free. |
| Preservation Method | Clearly state "Salted," "Pickled," or "Fresh." Misdeclaration can lead to sanitary rejection. |
| Mixed Consignment (Skins + Tanned Leather) | Separate declarations. Raw skins and tanned leather have different clearance requirements. |
🌍 V. Global Major Markets Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4101.20.00.00 |
10% (CN origin) | USDA + Sanitary Cert | IEEPA 10% surcharge applies |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4101.20.00.00 |
0% | N/A | Import of raw hides is encouraged for domestic leather industry |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4101.20.00.00 |
0% (if from eligible countries) | CE + Health Cert | Strict animal health regulations |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 4101.20.00.00 |
0% | Animal Health Cert | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 4101.20.00.00 |
3.2% | Veterinary Certificate | Low base rate |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA imposes a 10% IEEPA surcharge on Chinese raw animal skins. - EU and China generally have 0% tariffs but strict sanitary controls. - CITES is critical for reptile skins globally.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Blood-Teaching Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Importing raw skins without a USDA Import Permit
👉 Consequence: Seizure and Destruction by USDA APHIS.
❌ Mistake 2: Misdeclaring "Tanned Leather" as "Raw Skins"
👉 Consequence: Tariff Evasion detection → Heavy fines and back taxes.
❌ Mistake 3: Omitting "With Wool" or "Salted" in description
👉 Consequence: Customs Inspection Delay → Storage fees and potential rejection.
❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring CITES for reptile skins
👉 Consequence: Criminal Charges and confiscation.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Raw Bovine Hides, Salted, Certified BSE-Free, USDA Approved, HS Code 4101.20.00.00"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Raw Skins: USDA Permit First, Sanitary Cert Next!"
🔹 "HS Code 4101-4103, 10% IEEPA Surcharge on CN Origin!"
🔹 "CITES for Reptiles, BSE-Free for Bovines!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your raw animal skins are originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Brazil, you may avoid the US IEEPA 10% surcharge (if applicable) or benefit from lower base tariffs.
Recommendation: Apply for a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm the exact HS Code and tariff rate before shipment.
📣 Act Immediately:
📞 Contact a specialized customs broker + Provide USDA Permit + Apply for CBP Pre-Ruling
🚀 Let your raw animal skins pass customs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every dollar of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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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.