HS code for briefcases

Products described as briefcases are usually classified under heading 4202 of the Harmonized System. Pick the 6-digit subheading that matches your product, then add the importing country's national digits.

Heading 4202Trunks; suit, camera, jewellery, cutlery cases; travel, tool, similar bags; wholly or mainly covered by leather, composition leather, plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanised fibre, paperboard

Usual subheading

Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of leather or of composition leather
Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer surface of plastics or of textile materials

Which one applies depends on the material, the packing or who the product is for: read each text.

Other subheadings of heading 4202

Cases and containers; trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper
Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather
Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials
Cases and containers; handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper
Cases and containers; of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with outer surface of leather or of composition leather
Cases and containers; of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials
Cases and containers; of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper
Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, with outer surface of leather or of composition leather
Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials
Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper

Click a code to copy it.

How to confirm the code

Read the heading and subheading texts above and pick the one that describes what your product is made of and what it does.
Check the section and chapter notes of chapter 42, which can include or exclude products.
Add the national digits from the importing country's tariff (8 to 10 digits) and confirm with a customs broker, or ask customs for a binding ruling if the duty matters.

Search the HS code lookup →Chapter 42

Source: HS 2022 nomenclature, 6-digit level (UN Comtrade). Descriptions are in English, as in the official nomenclature. Digits after the 6th differ by country.

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Guides on this topic

How to Find the Right HS Code: GRI 1-6, Rulings and HS 2028How to find an HS code: the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1-6), GRI 3(b) sets, parts and accessories, national codes, binding rulings and…Binding tariff rulings: EU BTI, UK ATaR, US CBP, Canada, JapanHow to get a legally binding HS code decision before you ship: EU BTI (3 years, free), UK Advance Tariff Rulings (30 to 120 days), US CBP rulings…

Common questions

What is the HS code for briefcases?

Products described as briefcases are usually classified under HS heading 4202, subheading 4202.11 / 4202.12. Confirm the full national code in the importing country's tariff.

Is the HS code the same in every country?

The first 6 digits are the same in every country that uses HS 2022, and national codes are built on them: the EU's CN, the US HTS, India's ITC-HS and HSN codes and Brazil's NCM all start with these digits. Each country adds its own digits (usually to 8 or 10) and sets the duty rate, so check the destination country's tariff.

What if my product is different?

Materials, function and how the product is put up can change the heading. Search your own description in the HS code lookup, read the chapter notes, and ask a customs broker or the customs authority for a ruling when in doubt.

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