HS Code for Backpack
The primary HS code for backpacks imported into the United States is 4202.92.31.20, which specifically covers backpacks made of man-made fibers such as nylon or polyester, carrying a general duty rate of 17.6%. Backpacks fall under HTS heading 4202, which covers trunks, suitcases, travel bags, and similar containers. The exact tariff code depends on the outer surface material -- cotton backpacks may qualify for lower rates under 4202.92.15.00 (6.3%), while leather backpacks fall under 4202.91.90.30 (4.5%).
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4202.92.31.20 | Backpacks, with outer surface of textile materials, of man-made fibers Of man-made fibers (nylon, polyester) | 17.6% |
| 4202.92.15.00 | Travel, sports and similar bags, with outer surface of textile materials, of cotton Of cotton, with outer surface of textile materials | 6.3% |
| 4202.92.20.00 | Travel, sports and similar bags, with outer surface of textile materials, of other vegetable fibers Of other vegetable fibers, not pile or tufted construction | 5.7% |
| 4202.92.45.00 | Travel, sports and similar bags, other (with outer surface of plastics) With outer surface of sheeting of plastics | 20% |
| 4202.92.31.31 | Other travel, sports and similar bags, of man-made fibers Of man-made fibers, other than backpacks | 17.6% |
| 4202.92.33.16 | Travel, sports and similar bags, of man-made fibers, of cotton Of cotton | 17.6% |
| 4202.91.90.30 | Travel, sports and similar bags, with outer surface of leather or composition leather With outer surface of leather or composition leather | 4.5% |
| 4202.12.81.70 | Trunks, suitcases and similar containers, of man-made fibers, with outer surface of textile materials Of man-made fibers, structured luggage-style backpacks | 17.6% |
Classifying backpacks under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule requires careful attention to several key factors. The HTS treats backpacks as a subset of "travel, sports and similar bags" within heading 4202, which broadly covers luggage, handbags, and similar containers.
The most critical classification factor is the outer surface material. The HTS first divides containers by whether their outer surface is leather or composition leather (subheading 4202.91), sheeting of plastics or textile materials (4202.92), or other materials (4202.99). Most commercial backpacks fall under 4202.92 because they feature textile or plastic outer surfaces.
Within 4202.92, backpacks are further classified by the specific textile fiber. Man-made fiber backpacks (nylon, polyester, polypropylene) are classified under 4202.92.31.20 with a 17.6% duty rate. Cotton backpacks fall under 4202.92.15.00 at 6.3%, and backpacks of other vegetable fibers under 4202.92.20.00 at 5.7%. Backpacks with an outer surface of sheeting of plastics (rather than textile) may be classified under 4202.92.45.00 at 20%.
For leather or composition leather backpacks, the applicable code is 4202.91.90.30 at 4.5%. This applies regardless of any textile lining -- the outer surface material controls classification.
Importers should also consider whether a backpack with a rigid internal or external frame might be classified as luggage under 4202.12 rather than as a travel bag under 4202.92. Large framed hiking backpacks that function similarly to suitcases could potentially fall under the luggage provisions, though most standard backpacks remain in the travel and sports bag category.
Duty rates for backpacks range from 4.5% to 20% depending on material. The most common rate is 17.6% for man-made fiber (nylon/polyester) backpacks under 4202.92.31.20. Cotton backpacks receive a lower 6.3% rate, and leather backpacks are assessed at 4.5%. Backpacks with plastic outer surfaces face the highest rate at 20%. Special preferential rates may apply under free trade agreements such as USMCA, CAFTA-DR, and others.