Hand-bags for ladies

Ladies handbags with outer surface of leather or composition leather

WCCB CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 21 10 (Hand-bags for ladies) is subject to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) oversight under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), requiring a CITES certificate for bags made from protected species materials. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) additionally prohibits import of seal skin in any form under the ITC (HS) import policy.

What this is

HSN code

4202 21 10

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 that the outer surface material of the handbag does not originate from a CITES-listed species. Where the material is derived from a CITES-listed species, obtain and upload the CITES certificate (document code 626000) in e-Sanchit before filing the bill of entry; customs out-of-charge will not be granted without this upload.
CITES certificate document code 626000 · ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42
2
Confirm that no component of the consignment constitutes seal skin in any form. Import of seal skin is an absolute prohibition under the ITC (HS) import policy; consignments found to contain seal skin are liable to confiscation and ITC policy enforcement by DGFT.
ITC (HS) import policy — Prohibited import, Chapter 42

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is shipping handbags with exotic-leather outer surfaces — python, crocodilian, stingray, or ostrich — without confirming CITES Appendix status for the specific species at point of manufacture. A CITES certificate issued for the wrong Appendix level or covering a different species than the material actually used will be rejected at the customs gate, triggering consignment detention and demurrage while the correct documentation is sourced from the exporting country.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 21 10 require BIS certification?

No, ladies handbags with leather outer surface are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau under CITES for protected-species materials, with ITC (HS) policy controls administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

When is the CITES certificate mandatory and what document code applies at e-Sanchit?

The CITES certificate (document code 626000) is mandatory where the handbag outer surface is derived from a CITES-listed species and must be uploaded in e-Sanchit before customs out-of-charge is granted.

What is the consequence of importing a handbag made of seal skin?

Import of seal skin in any form is absolutely prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy; such consignments are liable to confiscation and DGFT enforcement action, with no provision for re-export as a remedy.

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