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Satchels

Satchels with outer surface of plastic or textile materials

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 12 40 (Satchels) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under which import is generally free except for a categorical prohibition on seal skin in any form. Importers must confirm the outer-surface material is not seal skin before filing the bill of entry.

What this is
HSN code
4202 12 40
Chapter
42 · Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers
Primary regulator
DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 (seal skin prohibition)
Customs documentation
  • Material composition declaration from exporter
  • Commercial invoice from supplier
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    Verify that the satchels do not incorporate seal skin in any form as outer-surface or structural material. Import of seal skin in any form is Prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy for this tariff line; a consignment containing seal skin is liable to outright confiscation at the border.
    ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 — seal skin prohibition
  2. 2
    Obtain a material-composition declaration from the foreign manufacturer confirming the outer surface consists of plastics or textile materials only, and retain it for customs verification at the bill-of-entry stage.
    ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42
A word of counsel

The seal-skin prohibition under the ITC (HS) policy is absolute and product-form-neutral — it covers finished articles, components, trimmings, and any quantity incorporated into a satchel, not merely whole seal-skin goods. A consignment mis-declared as synthetic or textile outer-surface material that is subsequently found to contain seal skin attracts confiscation and potential prosecution; a proactive certificate of origin and material-composition declaration from the manufacturer is the standard safeguard.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 4202 12 40 require BIS certification?
No, satchels with an outer surface of plastic or textile materials are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed solely by the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with a categorical prohibition on seal skin in any form.
What does the seal skin prohibition cover for this tariff line?
The ITC (HS) policy prohibits import of seal skin in any form under this CTI; this covers finished satchels, components, trimmings, or any other incorporation of seal skin, regardless of quantity or processing state.
Is there any exemption or licensed-import pathway for seal skin under this HSN?
No exemption or licensed-import pathway is provided under the ITC (HS) policy for seal skin under this tariff line; the prohibition is unconditional, and any such consignment is liable to confiscation.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
Related
ChapterChapter 42 · Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containersHSNTRUNKS, SUIT-CASES, VANITY-CASES, EXECUTIVE-CASES, BRIEF-CASES, SCHOOL SATCHELS, SPECTACLE CASES, BINOCULAR CASES, CAMERA CASES, MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CASES, GUN CASES, HOLSTERS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS; TRAVELLING-BAGS, INSULATED FOOD OR BEVERAGES BAGS, TOILET BAGS, RUCKSACKS, HAND-BAGS, SHOPPING-BAGS, WALLETS, PURSES, MAP-CASES, CIGARETTE-CASES, TOBACCO- POUCHES, TOOL BAGS, SPORTS BAGS, BOTTLE-CASES, JEWELLERY BOXES, POWDER-BOXES, CUTLERY CASES AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS, OF LEATHER OR OF COMPOSITION LEATHER, OF SHEETING OF PLASTICS, OF TEXTILE MATERIALS, OF VULCANISED FIBRE OR OF PAPERBOARD, OR WHOLLY OR MAINLY COVERED WITH SUCH MATERIALS OR WITH PAPERHSNWith outer surface of plastic or of textile materials: