HS Code for Bag
Bags are classified under HTS heading 4202, which covers a wide range of containers including handbags, travel bags, shopping bags, sports bags, and similar items. The HS code for a bag depends primarily on its type (handbag vs. travel bag vs. luggage), outer surface material (leather, textile, plastics), and fiber composition. Duty rates range from 4.5% for leather travel bags to 20% for bags of certain other materials, with most textile bags of man-made fibers assessed at 17.6%.
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4202.22.81.00 | Handbags, with outer surface of textile materials, of man-made fibers Handbags of man-made fibers (nylon, polyester) | 17.6% |
| 4202.22.15.00 | Handbags, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics Handbags with outer surface of sheeting of plastics | 16% |
| 4202.22.45.00 | Handbags, with outer surface of textile materials, of cotton Handbags of cotton | 6.3% |
| 4202.21.60.00 | Handbags, with outer surface of leather, valued not over $20 each Leather handbags valued not over $20 each | 10% |
| 4202.21.90.00 | Handbags, with outer surface of leather, valued over $20 each Leather handbags valued over $20 each | 9% |
| 4202.92.31.31 | Travel, sports and similar bags, of man-made fibers, with outer surface of textile materials Travel and sports bags of man-made fibers | 17.6% |
| 4202.92.15.00 | Travel, sports and similar bags, with outer surface of textile materials, of cotton Travel and sports bags of cotton | 6.3% |
| 4202.91.90.30 | Travel, sports and similar bags, with outer surface of leather or composition leather Leather travel and sports bags | 4.5% |
| 4202.12.81.70 | Trunks, suitcases and similar containers, of man-made fibers, with outer surface of textile materials Luggage-style bags of man-made fibers | 17.6% |
| 4202.29.90.00 | Other containers, of other materials Bags of other materials not elsewhere specified | 20% |
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule classifies bags under heading 4202 through a multi-layered hierarchy. The first and most important distinction is the type of bag: handbags (subheadings 4202.21-4202.29), trunks and suitcases (4202.11-4202.19), articles normally carried in the pocket or handbag such as wallets (4202.31-4202.39), and other containers including travel bags, sports bags, and shopping bags (4202.91-4202.99).
For handbags (4202.2x), classification depends on the outer surface material. Leather handbags are divided by value -- those valued not over $20 each fall under 4202.21.60.00 at 10%, while those valued over $20 each are classified under 4202.21.90.00 at 9%. Handbags with a plastic sheeting outer surface use 4202.22.15.00 at 16%. Textile handbags are further divided by fiber: man-made fiber handbags at 17.6%, cotton handbags at 6.3%, and other vegetable fiber handbags at 5.7%.
Travel bags, sports bags, duffel bags, gym bags, and tote bags generally fall under the "other" container provisions (4202.9x). Leather versions use 4202.91.90.30 at 4.5%, while textile versions are classified by fiber content within 4202.92 -- cotton at 6.3%, man-made fibers at 17.6%, and other vegetable fibers at 5.7%.
Shopping bags present a particular classification challenge. Reusable shopping bags made of woven polypropylene may be classified under 4202.92 if they function as general-purpose carrying bags, but single-use plastic bags are typically classified under heading 3923 (plastic articles for conveyance or packing). The intended use and construction drive the appropriate heading suggestion.
Importers should pay careful attention to how "outer surface" is defined. A bag with a textile outer layer that has been coated or laminated with plastics is still classified based on the textile, not the plastic coating. The outer surface must be actual sheeting of plastics (not a coating on textile) for the plastics provisions to apply.
Duty rates for bags vary significantly by type and material. Leather handbags range from 9% to 10% depending on value. Textile handbags of man-made fibers are assessed at 17.6%, while cotton handbags face a 6.3% rate. Plastic-surface handbags carry a 16% rate. Travel and sports bags follow a similar pattern: 4.5% for leather, 17.6% for man-made fibers, and 6.3% for cotton. Free trade agreement preferences under USMCA, CAFTA-DR, and other programs may substantially reduce or eliminate these duties.