Vanity-cases

Vanity-cases with outer surface of plastic or textile

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 12 80 (Vanity-cases) is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which imposes a categorical prohibition on the import of seal skin in any form. Importers must confirm that no component of the consignment incorporates seal skin before filing the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

4202 12 80

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Prohibited import policy, Chapter 42 (seal skin prohibition)

Customs documentation

Material composition declaration from exporter
Import compliance confirmation from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the vanity-cases being imported contain no seal skin in any form — outer surface, lining, trim, or accessory — before placing the purchase order. Import of seal skin in any form is Prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy for Chapter 42, and a consignment found to contain seal skin is liable to confiscation.
ITC (HS) Import Policy, Chapter 42 — seal skin prohibition
2
Obtain and retain a material composition declaration from the foreign manufacturer or exporter confirming the outer surface and all components are of plastic or textile materials only, with no seal-derived content. Upload supporting documentation in e-Sanchit at the bill of entry stage.
ITC (HS) Import Policy, Chapter 42; DGFT policy condition on seal skin

A word of counsel

The seal-skin prohibition applies to seal skin 'in any form', meaning even minor decorative trim, partial lining, or branded label incorporating seal leather triggers the Prohibited classification — not only consignments where the outer surface is predominantly seal skin. Importers sourcing vanity-cases with exotic or luxury animal-derived accents should obtain an explicit species-identification certificate from the foreign manufacturer before shipment; a customs examination finding seal-derived material results in outright confiscation with no provision for re-export or redemption fine.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 12 80 require BIS certification?

No, vanity-cases with outer surface of plastic or textile materials are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, principally through the categorical prohibition on seal skin in any form.

Does the seal-skin prohibition apply only to cases where the outer surface is seal skin, or does it extend to any component?

The prohibition extends to seal skin 'in any form', covering any component of the article — outer surface, lining, trim, or accessory — not only products whose primary outer surface is seal skin.

Are vanity-cases with plastic or textile outer surfaces otherwise freely importable?

Yes, subject to the seal-skin prohibition, vanity-cases of this tariff line with outer surfaces of plastic or textile materials are otherwise Free under the ITC (HS) import policy, with no licence or permit required beyond standard customs documentation.

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