Satchels

Satchels with outer surface of leather or composition leather

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 11 30 (Satchels) is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the ITC (HS) import policy, which prohibits import of seal skin in any form. Subject to that prohibition, satchels with an outer surface of leather or composition leather are otherwise freely importable under the standard customs regime.

What this is

HSN code

4202 11 30

Chapter

42 · Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Prohibited import policy — seal skin prohibition

Customs documentation

ITC (HS) policy declaration from DGFT
Material composition declaration from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that no component of the satchel — outer surface, lining, trim, or accessory — is derived from seal skin. Import of seal skin in any form is Prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy; a consignment containing seal skin is liable to confiscation at the port of import.
ITC (HS) Import Policy — Prohibited goods condition, Chapter 42
2
Obtain and retain a material composition declaration from the foreign manufacturer confirming the outer surface and all leather components are not derived from seal. Present the declaration to the customs proper officer at the bill of entry stage if requested.
ITC (HS) Import Policy — Prohibited goods condition, Chapter 42

A word of counsel

The prohibition on seal skin applies to the product in any form — including incidental trims, handle wraps, or decorative panels — not merely to the dominant outer surface. Importers who rely solely on a general certificate of origin or invoice description without a specific material-composition declaration risk confiscation of the entire consignment if customs examination reveals any seal-derived component, even minor.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 11 30 require BIS certification?

No, satchels with an outer surface of leather or composition leather are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the ITC (HS) import policy, which imposes a Prohibited status on seal skin in any form.

Does the seal skin prohibition apply only to the outer surface of the satchel?

No. The ITC (HS) policy prohibits import of seal skin in any form, meaning the prohibition extends to any part of the product — lining, trim, handles, or accessory components — not solely the outer surface.

Are satchels made of composition leather (not genuine leather) also subject to the seal skin prohibition?

Yes. The prohibition operates at the product level within this tariff line regardless of whether the outer surface is genuine leather or composition leather; both 8-digit sub-categories are captured by the ITC (HS) policy condition.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.