Brief-cases

Brief-cases with outer surface of leather or composition leather

WCCB CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 11 40 (Brief-cases) is subject to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) oversight under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), requiring a CITES certificate where the outer surface incorporates leather derived from CITES-listed species. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) ITC (HS) policy additionally prohibits the import of Seal Skin in any form.

What this is

HSN code

4202 11 40

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

WCCB · CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)

Customs documentation

CITES certificate from WCCB
ITC (HS) policy declaration from DGFT

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

WCCBWCCB·Wildlife Crime Control Bureau

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Verify the species origin of the leather or composition leather outer surface before shipment. Where the material derives from a CITES-listed species, obtain the applicable CITES certificate and ensure it is uploaded in e-Sanchit under document code 626000 before filing the bill of entry.
CITES certificate · document code 626000 · ITC (HS) import policy Chapter 42
2
Confirm the consignment contains no Seal Skin in any form. Import of Seal Skin is absolutely prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy; consignments containing Seal Skin are liable to confiscation and the importer is subject to DGFT enforcement action.
ITC (HS) import policy · DGFT · Prohibition on Seal Skin, Chapter 42

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that conventional bovine or synthetic leather automatically clears WCCB scrutiny. Customs officers on PGA-facilitated bills are required to verify that the CITES certificate (document code 626000) has been uploaded in e-Sanchit before out-of-charge, irrespective of whether the importer believes the leather is non-exotic. Where species identity cannot be established from accompanying documentation, the proper officer may detain the consignment pending verification.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 11 40 require BIS certification?

No, leather brief-cases are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau CITES requirements and the DGFT ITC (HS) import policy, which includes an absolute prohibition on Seal Skin in any form.

Is the CITES certificate required for all leather brief-cases or only those made from protected species?

The CITES certificate (document code 626000) is required only where the outer surface leather derives from a CITES-listed species; the customs proper officer verifies the uploaded document in e-Sanchit before granting out-of-charge.

What is the consequence of importing a brief-case with Seal Skin outer surface?

Import of Seal Skin in any form is prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy; such consignments are liable to confiscation and the importer faces DGFT enforcement action including possible prosecution under the relevant trade-control provisions.

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